Heartbreaking way Liam Payne will be honoured at the start of new Netflix series

Netflix is paying tribute to Liam Payne at the beginning of the streamer's new talent show Building The Band after his tragic death last year.

The former One Direction singer, who died aged 31 on October 16 after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, appears posthumously in the series as a guest judge. Viewers will be able to watch the first four episodes of Building The Band, which was filmed before Liam’s death, on July 9. After the show's debut new episodes will come out weekly until the end of the 10 part series.

In the show aspiring singers compete for a chance to create the next big music group, but with a twist. Contestants have to audition each other while sitting in private booths so they cannot see one another, which has been compared to the use of pods in Netflix dating show Love is Blind.

READ MORE: Zara McDermott in tears over harrowing stalking cases in new BBC Three documentary

READ MORE: Brits warned taking popular painkiller abroad 'could land you in jail'

Liam filmed his scenes as one of the guest judges from episode seven onwards with Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland while he was still alive. Nicole Scherzinger from The Pussycat Dolls is also a member of the judging panel, and the show is hosted by Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean.

Before the contest begins, AJ will pay his respects to his late friend. It has been revealed that the singer opens the show saying: "When we came together to film Building The Band, we never imagined we’d soon be saying goodbye to our friend, Liam Payne.

"Liam is a guest judge in later episodes and through his presence we see his deep love for music and his unwavering commitment to helping others find their voice. It is through that spirit that we dedicate this series to Liam and his family."

Netflix confirmed that Liam’s family has seen the series in full and supports his inclusion in the show. Last month, a source told The Sun that his loved ones were involved in the process to make sure his appearance was handled carefully.

They said: "Liam was on great form at filming so everyone’s pleased fans will get to see the ‘real’ him one last time. It will be bittersweet when the show is released.

"Netflix have gone out of their way to make sure his family are happy. Producers sent them the footage so they are fully aware of what to expect and they have given it their blessing."

An official synopsis from Netflix describes the premise of Building The Band, saying: "Building The Band brings together talented singers for a truly unique competition show where building the perfect band is all about chemistry.

"The singers are in complete control as they seek to form their very own bands in individual ‘booths’ without ever seeing each other.

"All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit. What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play?

"With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal — to find the next great music band — the stage is set for an unforgettable experience."

A recent post-mortem examination confirmed that Liam died from "multiple traumas" and "internal and external haemorrhages" as a result of his fall.

Reports from the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office No. 14 revealed he had a blood alcohol concentration of up to 2.7 grams per litre and there were traces of substances including "cocaine metabolites, methylecgonine, benzoylecgomine, cocaethylene, and the antidepressant sertraline" in his system at the time of his death.

According to medical experts, such high alcohol levels can cause confusion, disorientation, and dizziness, and may have contributed to Liam being in a state of semi or total unconsciousness when he fell.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and Threads .