And on Thursday (October 24) Simon made his TV return, to appear at the pre-recorded Pride of Britain Awards. The annual ceremony was back for its 25th year - with Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo back on stage to front the emotional show.

Simon Cowell is mourning the loss of Liam Payne as tributes to the late One Direction singer continue to pour in. Cowell shared a statement on social media expressing his thoughts about Payne and remembering the singer with touching words.

Cowell created and judged “The X Factor,” the show on which he and fellow judges put together Payne’s band, One Direction, in 2010.