Naomi Campbell breaks silence after Liam Payne's death following their romance

Naomi Campbell's poignant tribute to ex-boyfriend Liam Payne after his death five years on from romance has emerged. Naomi has responded to Nicole Scherzinger's touching words over the late ITV The X Factor star, who has died aged 31.

Naomi shared emojis including doves, a broken heart and prayer hands beneath The Pussycat Dolls singer's post. Although separated by 23 years, Payne was apparently keen to pursue the supermodel, calling her “perfection in a person”.

Campbell, in return, said that Payne had a “beautiful soul”. The pair were seen together at the O2 Arena and were said to have had a four-month fling – with Payne reportedly bragging about “mind-blowing sex”. Ant Middleton teased West Bromwich Albion fan Payne about the affair when the two were seen trekking around Namibia.

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“No, she was just a friend,” Payne said in response to questioning. Middleton replied: “Come on, Liam, you know she wasn’t an old buddy, old pal, I think the whole world knows that!” Payne said: “You believe what you want – I’m not saying anything!”

Campbell is said to have “tired” of the singer after the four-month mark. She called time on the couple's relationship because they were "living different lives”, according to reports in April 2019. A source told the Mirror: "Liam and Naomi had a lot of fun together, they got on well and had a laugh, but it just wasn't meant to be."

When asked about it on the Jonathan Ross show, on ITV, the supermodel and star said: “I never discuss my personal life. I mean, it's crazy it's like, one day it's one person, the next day it's another. Who is tomorrow? That's what I want to know…"

Naomi said: "For me, I laugh. The stories are incredible, it's humorous… I just get on with my life.”