Netflix talent show featuring Liam Payne ‘on hold’ after his death

Netflix has reportedly delayed the release of a talent show after Liam Payne’s death.

The One Direction star died aged 31 on October 16 after he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.

His former bandmates and X Factor stars including Simon Cowell have paid tribute, while Britain’s Got Talent temporarily paused auditions.

In the weeks before his death, Payne had been involved in filming a Netflix reality series titled Building The Band to create ‘the next great pop group’, which is now said to be ‘on hold’.

Last month, it had been announced that the Strip That Down hitmaker was part of a judging panel alongside The Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger, Destiny Child’s Kelly Rowland and Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean to ‘create the next great pop group sight unseen’.

The stars had been spotted filming in Manchester in August, with further details about an air date yet to be confirmed.

Sources previously The Hollywood Reporter that the series producers were ‘shocked’ by the news of his death, and it was too soon to make any decisions on the competition show.

It’s now been claimed that the series has ‘definitely not been shelved’, and that Netflix will meet with Payne’s family to discuss a potential release at some point in the future.

A source told The Sun: ‘It is too soon to make a decision, but the show has definitely not been shelved.

‘Filming was completed at the end of summer.

‘Netflix will sit down with Liam’s family when the time is right to speak about the series and when it could be released.’

The insider noted that the death of the Teardrops singer has left everyone ‘devastated’ at the company, and they have decided that there is ‘no pressure’ to release the series just yet but are hoping that it will become a ‘beautiful tribute’ to the star when it does come out.

‘Everyone involved is devastated and their heart goes out to his family. There is no rush or pressure to release the series.

‘It would simply be a beautiful tribute to Liam and capture him at his best in the months before his death.’

In August, Kelly spoke about working with Payne, telling People: ‘Liam is absolutely hilarious. I didn’t know how funny he was, so I’m getting to know him, and he is so cool.’

Following the news of his death, Nicole shared snaps of her and Kelly with Payne, paying tribute on Instagram.

She said: ‘I will forever cherish and treasure the time we shared together, from fifteen years ago when One Direction was born, right up until just a few weeks ago.

‘It was such a blessing to get to work with you recently. We shared the same love and passion for music and I will forever remember the meaningful and joyful conversations we had.’

‘It’s been so hard to process that you’re no longer here, but I am grateful to have known your kind heart, sweet soul and character,’ Nicole continued.

‘You brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the lives of those that truly knew you. I will “miss you” my friend and carry you in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. 🙏🏽♥️’

It’s believed production on the first series wrapped a few weeks before Payne’s death, but Netflix is yet to release a statement on the show’s future.

In the original announcement, Netflix explained the show would ‘take face-to-face encounters out of the musical equation’.

‘Who better to help build a band than some of the most legendary artists who ever did it?’ the streaming service explained in a release.

‘These hitmakers will bring their unparalleled expertise and years of personal experience to the competition.’

‘Instead, the contestants will find their perfect bandmates based on compatibility, connection, and, most importantly, merit. And when the bands finally do meet, how will looks, choreography, and style come into play?

‘Expect plenty of drama, next-level artistry, and unforgettable performances.’

Metro.co.uk has approached Netflix for comment.

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