A month after his death, the funeral for Liam Payne was held yesterday (20 November).

The private service was held in the Home Counties with several famous faces in attendance, including the star’s One Direction bandmates, Simon Cowell and Adrian Chiles – who wore a West Brom jacket.

The 31-year-old singer died on 16 October after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

An investigation has since been launched into his death with three people charged in connection with the incident.

Following Payne’s father, Geoff, flying out to cooperate with authorities, his body was brought back over to the UK.

Mourners at his funeral yesterday donned classic all black, while writer and TV presenter Chiles wore the football training jacket over his suit.

This was a special tribute from the 57-year-old, who had bonded with the singer over their love for West Brom.

Chiles wasn’t necessarily just wearing the jacket to keep warm but as a mark of Payne being a huge Baggies fan.

The BBC Radio 5 live host said: “I got to know him when he first did X Factor.

“He came up to me and said ‘up the Albion’ – he was a West Brom fan. Just as a sign as to how massive he was, I remember we snuck him into a Boxing Day game and I think his mum and dad came and sat with me.

“But we managed to secrete our man up in the commentary gantry so he didn’t get bothered. Then a friend of mine texted me to ask ‘why are West Brom trending number one on Twitter?’ I went, ‘well it could be because Liam Payne is here and he tweeted he was here and the whole world went mad for it.’”

Following the star’s death, the championship team shared a photo of him at their home stadium, the Hawthorns.

It said in a statement: “We’re shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Baggies fan and musician, Liam Payne.

“Our thoughts are with Liam’s family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time.”

Born in the West Midlands, the ‘For You’ singer was known to be a ‘huge West Brom supporter’.

When Payne’s son, Bear, – who he shared with Cheryl – was born in 2017, the team even sent him a customised shirt.

Former professional footballer Robbie Keane, who played alongside the star in Soccer Aid, was also in attendance yesterday.

He previously shared on social media: “So sad to hear this terrible news. Liam was such a loveable person when I spent time with him @SoccerAid and with close friends in Dubai. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time. RIP Liam.”

Featured Image Credit: SWNS/Matt McNulty/Getty Images

Topics: Liam Payne, Music, Football,

Liam Payne’s funeral is set to take place today (20 November), with his One Direction bandmates being said to attend.

The singer tragically fell to his death after falling from the third floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buneos Aires, Argentina, on 16 October.

Payne’s funeral is being held today in the Home Counties in the south-east, and comes after three people have been charged in connection with the incident.

An investigation has been launched into his death by prosecutors with a post-mortem examination reporting he died of multiple traumas and ‘internal and external haemorrhage’.

Since the 31-year-old’s death, fans have held vigils across the globe in memory of the star.

With his family and friends in attendance and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy reported to be there, it is also expected several celebrities will be at his funeral.

Alongside Payne’s old One Direction bandmates (Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson), the music mogul who put them all together, Simon Cowell, is expected to be in attendance.

The band, who took a hiatus in 2015, released a joint statement following Payne’s death, which read: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.

“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”

Cowell wrote on social media how he was ‘truly devastated’, ‘heartbroken’ and felt ’empty’ after hearing the news.

He added in his statement: “I always thought the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were. And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon.”

It is believed the funeral today will be held in private, with fans on social media urging others not to show up.

The charges in connection to Payne’s death were announced on 7 November as one of those confirmed had been accompanying the singer in Argentina and is accused of ‘abandonment of a person followed by death’.

A hotel employee and a third person have also been charged with supplying drugs.

The announcement from authorities also ruled out third party involvement and ‘self-harm’ in the singer’s death with some of his devices still being analysed.

More than 800 hours of video footage from security cameras have been analysed as well as several dozen testimonies from hotel staff, family members, friends and medical professionals.