Simon Cowell returns to public eye at Pride of Britain Awards following Liam Payne's tragic death

Simon Cowell has been spotted in public for the first time since Liam Payne’s death - at the Pride of Britain Awards where he honoured his late friend, the former Mirror Editor Peter Willis. Peter was a significant figure in media, helming the editorship of the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, and Sunday People during his illustrious career, but perhaps his most enduring legacy is founding the beloved Pride of Britain Awards.

At tonight’s event, Simon, aged 65, is set to deliver a heartfelt homage to Peter, who passed away at just 54. Married with two children, Peter directed the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People before stepping up as executive director for all the Mirror titles.

His remarkable 23-year stint with the Mirror began in 1997 after periods at the Sun, the Express, and the Star. His brilliant conception of the Pride of Britain Awards in 1999 marks its 25th anniversary celebration today.

READ MORE: Liam Payne had 'class A drugs' in body at time of death, forensics say

Following his death, King Charles acknowledged his "deep compassion" for praising the triumphs of young individuals assisted by the King's Trust, previously the Prince's Trust. At that poignant moment, he expressed: "Over the many years I knew Peter, I was always struck by his deep compassion for the young people helped by my Trust. As the Pride of Britain became an established event, celebrating the great people of this country, Peter always insisted one of my Trust's young people was included."

"He never shied away from telling the difficult stories of young people who had struggled with drugs, homelessness, imprisonment or mental health issues and managed to turn their lives around. The positive impact of telling their stories will be a significant part of his legacy", reports the Mirror.

Simon's appearance at the Pride of Britain Awards marks his first public event since the heart-breaking loss of X Factor and One Direction star Liam Payne. Dad-of-one Liam was holidaying in Buenos Aires with his partner Kate Cassidy when he tragically fell from the third floor of a hotel.

The singer met with disaster after tumbling from the third floor of a building in the Argentinian capital. Following the incident, police, fire services, and ambulance crews were spotted outside the hotel in response to Liam's fall.

It's reported that the authorities responded to calls regarding an individual behaving aggressively at the hotel, potentially under the influence of alcohol or substances.

Liam, famous as one-fifth of the colossal group, found stardom in 2011 through The X Factor after judge Simon assembled him in a band alongside Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan.

The music mogul Simon is reportedly devastated by the sad news of Liam's passing and has since stepped back from his commitments on Britain's Got Talent while auditions are ongoing.

Simon Cowell has paid an emotional tribute following the tragic news of Liam's passing, reflecting on their first meeting when Liam was a mere 14 year old auditioning for X Factor in 2008. Simon had to send him home, deeming him too young, but fate would reunite them two years later, leading to Liam's rise as a global superstar.

Over the weekend, Simon expressed his profound sorrow, writing: "You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you."

"This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans."

He added poignantly: "I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn't your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn't. You came back and within months the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans."

"I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared. You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago."

"I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it. I always thought of 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. Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon."