Simon Cowell pictured at BGT for first time since Liam Payne's death halted auditions

Simon Cowell returned to the Britain's Got Talent auditions (Image: Dave Nelson)

Simon Cowell gave a thumbs up as the auditions of Britain's Got Talent resumed in Blackpool on Tuesday (January 7).

The auditions for the ITV programme were put on hold back in October following the sudden death of One Direction star Liam Payne. The singer died after falling from a third-floor balcony in Argentina at the age of 31.

Almost three months later, Simon, who formed One Direction on the X Factor in 2010, returned to the judging panel with Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and newcomer Bruno Tonioli.

The music mogul was in high spirits as he stepped out in the seaside town, sporting his signature grey T-shirt and aviator sunglasses.

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Flashing a peace sign to fans, the TV personality looked ready to put the halt in proceedings behind him as he joined his fellow judges, as well as hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly at the Winter Gardens Blackpool.

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The judge was in high spirits (Image: Dave Nelson)

Shortly after Liam's shocking death, a Britain's Got Talent spokesperson announced the auditions were being called off.

The statement from Fremantle said: "Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, we have decided to postpone the Britain's Got Talent auditions. Our thoughts are with Liam's friends, family and all who loved him."

After learning of Liam's passing, a "devastated" Simon paid tribute to the "kind" and "humble" singer who truly cared about his fans.

He wrote: "You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.

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The auditions were put on hold following the sudden death of Liam Payne (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

"This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me.

"What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans."

He continued: "And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.

"You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a Dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I met all of those years ago."

Britain's Got Talent as auditions are no longer filmed at the London Palladium (Image: Dave Nelson) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20250107.min.js"

Simon added: "I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.

"I always thought of the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And reading their messages today I believe you were. And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon."

He concluded: "Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon X."

It comes after a huge change was made to Britain's Got Talent as auditions are no longer filmed at the London Palladium.

Instead, producers decided to take the show to Blackpool, believing the seaside town boasts a more charged and vibrant atmosphere.

Simon Cowell pictured at BGT for first time since Liam Payne's death halted auditions

Simon Cowell pictured at BGT for first time since Liam Payne's death halted auditions

Simon Cowell pictured at BGT for first time since Liam Payne's death halted auditions

Simon Cowell pictured at BGT for first time since Liam Payne's death halted auditions

Simon Cowell pictured at BGT for first time since Liam Payne's death halted auditions