Liam Payne would 'still be alive today without X Factor audition', claims co-star

Liam Payne's death would have been avoidable had he not travelled to the X Factor audition that changed his life, fellow singer Rebecca Ferguson has suggested.

The songstress blasted the "profiteering" nature of the music industry as she shared her disappointment over Liam's tragic and premature demise. Taking to social media to share her distress after it was announced that Liam had fallen to his death from a third floor balcony, she agonised: "It's always a hotel room."

Reminiscing on their early days pre-fame, she recalled: "We both met at Euston station and shared the taxi together to X Factor, young, innocent and unaffected by fame. I can't help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn't jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today."

She added that Liam may have fallen prey to unsavoury influences on his journey to fame. "I've spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects - many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder]," she wrote.

"Many of us are devastated and reflective today as it has finally taken its first victim. Rest in Peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x." Rebecca, who went on to achieve a career in the industry herself after her velvety vocals impressed the judges, also shared her sympathies for his loved ones.

Liam first auditioned for X Factor at the age of 14, reaching the Judges' Houses stage of the competition and even being excused from school to travel to Simon Cowell's home in Barbados.

However, he didn't make it through and returned to school, achieving 11 GCSEs, before trying for X Factor fame again.

On his second try, he made it big and was invited to form a group with other promising young singers - which we now know as One Direction.

He admitted his rise to fame had been a rollercoaster and that he'd suffered "addictions" and battled "extreme" suicidal thoughts in the past.

However, last year he confirmed on YouTube that he'd spent 100 days completely sober after a stint in rehab, during which he'd focused his mind on art and poetry.

Liam explained that he felt he'd turned a corner, but also discussed how hotel rooms had been lonely places for him during his boyband days, and that he'd succumbed to destructive habits while having a "party for one" in the room.

Liam's girlfriend left their trip early after the couple went to see his ex-bandmate Niall Horan's solo show in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

On Wednesday he fell to his death from the balcony of his room, suffering extreme injuries including a skull fracture and internal haemorrhaging.

It comes as news has broken that Simon Cowell is stepping back from BGT for the time being, to be replaced by Bruno Tonioli.

You can find an official obituary notice for Liam here.