Liam Payne Had 'Zero Issues' Filming Netflix Show — but It's 'Too Soon' to Decide Series' Fate (Exclusive Sources)

Mar. 15, 2025

Liam Payne in London in 2018.Photo:Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty

Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty

Liam Paynewas in his element on the set of Netflix’s upcoming music competition seriesBuilding the Band, just weeks beforehis tragic death.

Payne, 31, served as a guest judge on the series, which follows individual singers as they attempt to form the next great band without ever seeing one another.

The show — which also starsNicole Scherzinger,Kelly RowlandandAJ McLeanas host — has yet to receive a premiere date. And after Payne’s sudden death on Oct. 16, its fate remains unclear.

Though Payne reportedly had“pink cocaine”in his system (a combination drug that includes methamphetamine, ketamine, MDMA and caffeine) when he died, according toABC News, the source adds that the “Strip That Down” singer had no behavioral issues during filming, and that there were zero issues on set with the star.

Liam Payne, Kelly Rowland and Nicole Scherzinger.Nicole Scherzinge/Instagram

Nicole Scherzinge/Instagram

“Liam seemed so genuinely happy to be on set. He looked healthy, and was smiling in all his fan interactions, signing things and chatting with them between takes,” says a PEOPLE staffer who was on set in late August. “He was having a great time doing what he loved, and showed no signs of any underlying issues.”

The staffer adds that Payne was eager to help the contestants on the show, offering genuine feedback and interest in their development.

Payne died in Buenos Aires, Argentina after falling from a balcony at his hotel. According to apreliminary autopsy report, the star died from multiple injuries and “internal and external” hemorrhages, the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE.

HisBuilding the Bandco-star Scherzinger — who is credited alongside Simon Cowell with creating One Direction when Payne was a contestant onThe X Factorin 2010 —paid tribute to her late friendin an Instagram post shortly after his death.

Liam Payne at an event in London in February 2023.David M. Benett/Getty

David M. Benett/Getty

“Dear Liam, I will forever cherish and treasure the time we shared together, from fifteen years ago when One Direction was born, right up until just a few weeks ago,” she wrote. “It was such a blessing to get to work with you recently. We shared the same love and passion for music and I will forever remember the meaningful and joyful conversations we had.”

“It’s been so hard to process that you’re no longer here, but I am grateful to have known your kind heart, sweet soul and character,” the former Pussycat Dolls star continued.

“You brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the lives of those that truly knew you,” she wrote before concluding with, “I will ‘miss you’ my friend and carry you in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. 🙏🏽♥️.”

source: people.com