Footage from an Australian news broadcast has revealed the moment Ant Middleton was asked live-on-air about the death of his 'good friend' Liam Payne.
It was announced in the early hours of this morning that Payne had died in Buenos Aires after falling from a balcony at his hotel in the Argentinian capital. Subsequent reports have since added the singer suffered 'severe injuries which were incompatible with life' from the fall.
Middleton, who is best known for appearing on the Channel 4 show SAS: Who Dares Wins, had been doing an interview with Australian outlet Channel 7 News when one of the anchors on the show asked him about the former One Direction singer's death.
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"We know that you are here to talk about this other project, but we’re going to put that to one side for just a moment, because we have to get your thoughts on the news of Liam Payne," she said. "You’ve only just heard this news yourself."
Middleton appeared visibly shocked by the question, hesitating for a moment before referring to Payne as a 'good friend'.
"Yeah 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," he said.
The presenter offered her condolences to the adventurer and former solider, as he continued: "I don’t really know what to say about that. I’m going to have to make sure that I reach out to the relevant people to find out what’s happened to my good friend.
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"But 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."
Middleton had become a close friend to the 31-year-old singer after they appeared on the TV programme Ant Middleton & Liam Payne: Straight Talking together back in 2019.
Reflecting on filming with Payne later on in the Channel 7 broadcast, Middleton continued: "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.
"There were some issues there, but nothing that a young celebrity at his calibre wouldn’t suffer from. So I’m just shocked at the moment really, wow. Yeah. Don’t really know what to say."
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The TV personality has since shared a tribute to him Payne on social media, writing: "That was some sunset you captured there mate! A talented positive man with a good heart. I’m glad our friendship flourished and that I was someone you could confine in. Your turn to look over me now bro! Luv ya and will miss you sorely… My sincere condolences to @liampayne family during these unimaginable times."
Brenna Cooper