Simon Cowell seen in public for first time since Liam Payne's death at Pride of Britain Awards

Simon Cowell has made his first public appearance since the passing of Liam Payne, paying tribute to his friend and former Mirror Editor Peter Willis at the Pride of Britain Awards. During his illustrious career, Peter was at the helm of the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, and Sunday People, but perhaps his crowning achievement was founding the beloved Pride of Britain Awards.

On Monday evening, X-Factor titan Simon, aged 65, honoured Peter on stage with a moving homage to the man who sadly died at the tender age of 54.

Peter, a family man with two children, held the position of editor for both the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People prior to taking up the role of executive director for the Mirror titles. His association with the Mirror spanned an impressive 23 years, having joined its ranks in 1997 after periods at The Sun, Express, and Star.

It was Peter's brilliant idea that led to the creation of the Pride of Britain Awards in 1999, which now marks its 25th anniversary.

READ MORE: Fans gather to remember former One Direction star Liam Payne

Following his death, King Charles expressed his "deep compassion" for the achievements celebrated by young individuals supported by what was formerly known as the Prince’s Trust. In remembrance, 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.", reports the Mirror.

"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."

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

The incident saw police, firefighters, and ambulances rush to the scene outside the hotel after Liam's fall. Reports suggest police were called to the hotel over a man behaving aggressively, potentially under the influence of substances.

Liam, famed for being one-fifth of the global sensation, rose to stardom in 2011 following his stint on The X Factor, where judge Simon formed the iconic band with Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan. Music tycoon Simon is reportedly devastated by the news of Liam's untimely passing and has taken a hiatus from his role on Britain's Got Talent as auditions press on.

Simon Cowell has penned a poignant tribute over the weekend following the tragic news of Liam's passing, recalling their first meeting when Liam was just 14 years old during his 2008 audition on the X Factor. Despite initially telling the young talent he was too young, they reunited two years later, which led to Liam's rise to global fame as part of a boyband.

In his emotional tribute, Simon wrote: "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."

Opening up further, Simon shared: "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."

Continuing his tribute, Simon added: "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."