Lorraine Kelly 'can't stop thinking' about Liam Payne's son Bear as she pays tribute to star

Television presenter Lorraine Kelly has paid tribute to the late Liam Payne on her ITV chat show, as she admitted that she 'can't stop thinking' about his young son Bear

Lorraine Kelly has expressed her sorrow over the news of Liam Payne's death, saying her thoughts continually return to his young son.

The ex-One Direction star tragically lost his life at the age of 31, following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. The event took place after he watched former bandmate Niall Horan perform with his partner Kate Cassidy.

Before his sudden death, he had joined forces again with Cheryl, his ex-girlfriend, to co-parent their much-loved son, Bear.

On Thursday's segment of her ITV talk show, the Scottish presenter, aged 64, dedicated a segment to honour the singer, confessing to viewers that she found the situation "unbelievably heartbreaking".

In a poignant admission on air, Lorraine said: "I was generally shocked when I saw this, it's absolutely tragic. I can't stop thinking about that poor wee boy because Cheryl is going to have to break the news to him," reports the Mirror.

She added that: "He is only seven years old and Liam was always talking about his son, he was a really devoted dad. He might not have been with him all the time but he was a very devoted dad. We've seen lots of photographs with his son and he spoke about him a lot too."

The TV host reminiscenced by viewing an old interview clip of her first meeting with Liam and his One Direction fellow member, when he was barely 15.

Reflecting on her personal encounter with him, Lorraine shared with viewers: "He was just adorable. The news is just unbelievably heartbreaking. I remember that time speaking to him, he was just so fun. When you spoke to the band he was always the grown up of the group."

Lorraine, visibly moved, shared: "My thoughts are with his family and friends but especially with his little boy. It's very sad. He was taken away far too soon, only 31 years old."

Liam became a father to Bear in 2017 when he was just 23, with Cheryl. However, their relationship ended the following year after two and a half years together.

Since their split, Cheryl, now 40, and Liam have been co-parenting, although Liam has been largely absent from Bear's life for the past seven years.

An industry source previously revealed to OK! magazine: "We don't see a lot of Bear on Liam's social media but I think he wants to prove to Cheryl that he's getting his life together.

"He really wants to be a good dad and with Cheryl about to resume touring with Girls Aloud, she'll be busier than ever and not around as much."

Lorraine is on ITV1 on weekdays at 9am and ITVX