Simon Cowell speaks out for first time since Liam Payne's funeral

Simon Cowell had maintained a sorrowful silence after learning of former One Direction star Liam Payne's tragic death this month aged just 31.

He was nowhere to be seen at Winter Wonderland's VIP launch night, which took place hours after Liam's funeral, despite planning to attend up until the last minute. Fans had feared he'd been overcome with grief, as the pair had worked closely together after first meeting on X-Factor when Liam was just 14.

However, today Simon broke his silence in an emotional Instagram post. "A few weeks ago, [my wife] Lauren & I attended the @prideofbritain Awards ceremony in London," he wrote.

"It is always such a moving evening, with so many incredible people who have helped others in times of need. I met a very special lady called Aiyla, who is such an amazing character! I have invited Aiyla and her family to come to @bgt so I look forward to catching up with them soon," Simon added, attaching pictures from the ceremony.

He then added: "Thank you for all the messages recently, I really appreciate it. Lots coming up so I look forward to updating you all shortly. Love, Simon x." He made no mention of Liam after attending his November 20 funeral, where he was seen in a poignant embrace with the talented singer's parents.

Their relationship had been a complex one, with Liam meeting with him and asking him for advice prior to his death, but also reportedly feeling that life as a star had left him like a "caged animal".

Liam allegedly told an onlooker in the lobby of his Buenos Aires hotel on the day of his death: "I used to be in a boy band - that's why I'm f****d up."

Meanwhile, after the band split in 2016, Liam chose a different path to the others for his solo deal, one which would take him away from Simon.

While Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson all signed deals with labels owned by Sony, a brand Simon played a major part in, Liam accepted one with Capital Records instead.

However, Simon was still devastated when the news of Liam's death broke, taking to social media to mourn after he tragically plummetted from the balcony of his third floor hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

He publicly wrote: "You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty."

He added: "I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you."

He described the late singer as "kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble [and] focused", before poignantly paying tribute to "how much [he] loved music and how much love [he] genuinely had for the fans".