Who is Liam Payne’s friend and ‘big brother’, Ant Middleton? The SAS: Who Dares Win alum invited the former One Direction star on his documentary, and says he still spoke to him ‘quite often’

Oct 19 , 2024

Tragic loss: Ant Middleton has spoken about the death of his friend and former TV costar Liam Payne. Photo: @antmiddleton/Instagram

Liam Payne’s friend Ant Middleton called the One Direction singer ‘a talented positive man with a good heart’ in a heartfelt tribute in a new post shared on Instagram on Thursday

Liam Payne’s friend Ant Middleton shared a heartfelt tribute to the late singer in a new post shared on Instagram this week.

“That was some sunset you captured there mate! A talented positive man with a good heart,” he shared on the social media platform, alongside photos of the two together. “I’m glad our friendship flourished and that I was someone you could confide in. Your turn to look over me now bro! Luv ya and will miss you sorely … My sincere condolences to [Liam Payne’s] family during these unimaginable times. #restinpeacebrother”.

According to Page Six, Middleton found out about his friend’s death just seconds before going live on an episode of the Australian Channel 7 morning show Sunrise on October 16.

Ant Middleton was asked about his friend Liam Payne’s death live on air, only moments after finding out about it. Photo: @antmiddleton/Instagram

“I speak to Liam quite often, he’s a good friend of mine. And, wow, I’m shocked, this is obviously the first I’m hearing of it,” the 44-year-old said on air, per the outlet. “I’m away filming at the moment, as you can see, that’s why I’m wet and there’s a bit of noise around me. But yeah, my condolences and I hope they find out what’s gone on.”

Ant Middleton has said Liam Payne “was loved”. Photo: @antmiddleton/Instagram

“After we filmed Straight Talking with Ant Middleton, we formed a brotherhood. He was like a younger brother to me. He would confide in me, I’d go round and see him,” he continued. “He was loved. He was one of those band members that was the glue, I believe, for One Direction. It’s a shame to see such a positive individual die so young.”

On October 16, news of Payne’s death shocked the world. The singer died in Argentina after jumping from the third floor of a hotel, according to local police. He was just 31 years old.

Here’s what we know about his British adventurer friend, amid the tragic news: