One Direction could be reuniting on stage for the first time since their split in 2016, as Liam Payne is set to be honoured at this year’s BRIT Awards

Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson of One Direction perform onstage during the 2015 American Music Awards
(Image: Getty Images)

One Direction might reunite for a poignant performance at this year’s BRIT Awards in tribute to band member Liam Payne, who tragically passed away on October 16, 2024, after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31.

An autopsy confirmed that Liam died instantly due to “multiple traumatic injuries” which caused “internal and external haemorrhage.”

Reports are circulating of a planned homage to Liam at the BRITs, leaving behind his young son Bear, whom he shared with former X Factor judge Cheryl.

 

Speculation is rife among sources that Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan may reunite onstage in memory of their late bandmate, reports the Mirror.

Talking to The Sun, an insider revealed: “The tribute to Liam at this year’s awards show has caused a real buzz and speculation that the remaining One Direction bandmates could finally come back together again on stage. It would be an entirely fitting way to honour Liam and talks are already under way about how to make this segment of the BRITs unforgettable.”

One Direction

(Image: Getty Images)

The source further hinted that the One Direction stars might be joined by other musicians for the homage. Over the years, the band has clinched seven BRIT awards after being formed on the ITV talent show in 2010.

A show insider revealed that Liam “loved” the event, hinting at his everlasting impact with the words: “He will forever be part of the show’s history.”

Expanding on future plans, the insider shared: “It’s still in the very early stages of preparation and the finer details are still being worked out, with official approaches to be made in coming weeks. But there are set to be a mixture of performances, tasteful photo and video montages and a live orchestra.”

Liam Payne

(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

In a touching tribute, Clevedon Pier recently revealed a dedicated plaque honouring Liam. He and his former One Direction bandmates notoriously filmed parts of the ‘You and I’ music video on this pier on March 25, 2014.

Taking to X, previously known as Twitter, Clevedon Piers official account posted a picture of the plaque next to the original commemorating their visit. The new plaque reads: “Remembering Liam Payne One Direction. 29.08.1993 16.10.2024.”

It includes a poignant lyric: “If you’re lost just look for me, you’ll find me in the region of the summer stars,” from the group’s song ‘Walking in the Wind’.”