Distraught Simon Cowell 'steps down' from BGT in wake of Liam Payne's death

has cancelled auditions for Britain's Got Talent, following the news that star has died aged 31. It has now been reported that the main judge will temporarily step down in the wake of the tragedy.

Filming for the ITV1 show was halted in the wake of Liam's death - and will resume on Saturday. Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, KSI will continue filming whilst the distraught mogul takes time out to grieve. Meanwhile, Bruno Tonioli is said to be returning to the judging panel as Simon's replacement.

A source told The Sun: "This news has hit Simon incredibly hard - he is utterly shocked and devastated.

"He adored Liam, and was close to his family with whom he is sure to reach out privately. He didn't feel it was right to continue with filming BGT, and when it resumes on Saturday, does not feel he'll be in the right head space to continue.

"All the judges and production crew are being hugely supportive."

The BGT auditions have since been postponed until the weekend.

A spokesman for the programme's producer, Freemantle UK, stated: "Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, we have decided to postpone the Britain's Got Talent auditions. Our thoughts are with Liam's friends, family and all who loved him."

Simon, who famously created One Direction, called off the Blackpool auditions shortly after discovering the awful news.

News of his death sent shockwaves across the world when it was announced Liam had tragically died at the age of 31.

On Wednesday (October 16), it was reported that Liam had died after falling from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Authorities responded to an emergency call at the Casa Sur Hotel, located in the leafy Palermo neighbourhood of the Argentine capital.

Buenos Aires police noted that Liam had sustained "extremely serious injuries" before medics confirmed his death in a statement to the Associated Press.

previously spoke of his relationship with music mogul Simon and claimed that Simon had created the boy band around him.

He said he "started with my face, and then worked around the rest. I was the honorary member of One Direction. He told me that story himself at his house."