The reason behind Simon Cowell’s unexpected absence from Britain’s Got Talent has finally been revealed.
Viewers were puzzled when Cowell disappeared mid-episode, only to be replaced by guest judge KSI. The show’s hosts, Ant and Dec, addressed the sudden change, announcing, “Unfortunately, Simon can’t be with us today, so we have a very special guest judge, KSI.”
It has now been confirmed that Cowell, 65, missed filming due to the passing of One Direction star Liam Payne. Payne tragically passed away at just 31 years old on October 16 last year, coinciding with the BGT audition recordings.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge stepped away from filming following the heartbreaking passing of One Direction star Liam Payne.
Payne, known for his hit Strip That Down, tragically fell from a third-story balcony at his hotel in Argentina, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow celebrities.
Having been mentored by Simon Cowell on The X Factor in 2010 before signing with his record label, Payne left behind his young son, Bear, whom he shared with ex-girlfriend Cheryl, as well as his partner of two years, Kate Cassidy.
While Cowell has not publicly addressed his absence from BGT, he did share an emotional tribute upon hearing of Payne’s passing.
“You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens,” he wrote. “Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today and thought about so many moments we shared together.”
In his heartfelt tribute, Simon Cowell expressed his deep sorrow over Liam Payne’s passing, describing himself as “heartbroken” by the tragic news.
“I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who asked me, ‘What is Liam like?’” Cowell shared. “I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, and focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”
Having first met Payne at just 14 during his X Factor audition, Cowell praised the singer’s perseverance and dedication, highlighting how he never gave up and truly cared about his supporters.
Reflecting on Payne’s young son, Bear, Cowell noted that he has his father’s “smile and that twinkle in his eyes”, adding that Payne would be “so proud of everything [he] achieved.”
He concluded with a solemn remark: “And now, Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon.”
KSI temporarily joined the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel this year, sitting alongside Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Bruno Tonioli.
Following Liam Payne’s passing, Simon Cowell attended the singer’s funeral after his body was returned from South America. Payne’s former bandmates—Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Harry Styles—were also in attendance.
A source told The Sun that Payne’s death “hit Simon incredibly hard,” prompting him to step away from his public commitments. “He adored Liam and was close to his family, with whom he is sure to reach out privately,” the insider revealed.
They added that continuing with BGT at the time “didn’t feel right” as Cowell “was not in the right headspace.”
Upon his return, he was met with overwhelming support from his fellow judges and the production team.