Nicole Scherzinger says Liam Payne was texting her on day he died

Nicola Scherzinger says Liam Payne was still texting her on the day he tragically died. Nicole, who put together One Direction alongside Simon Cowell during her role as a judge and mentor on ITV The X Factor, has paid tribute to the 31-year-old.

Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed how Nicole was still texting the star. Andrew, who composed the music for the Broadway musical Sunset Boulevard, which stars Nicole, said: "I suppose something that hasn’t been said, and I suppose I could say, is that of course she mentored Liam, from One Direction."

Speaking to Billboard, he said: "On the Wednesday when he died, she was still texting him that day." He said: "The fact that she even did the show at all is extraordinary. I mean, she is an amazing, amazing woman. She is without any question one of the finest performers I’ve ever worked with."

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In a poignant post on social media on Thursday, Nicole recalled the last time she saw the Strip That Down hitmaker, and shared her grief over his death. “Dear Liam, 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,” she wrote.

“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.” She added: “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."

"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,” the Pussycat Dolls singer added.