Godwin ObajeLiam Payne’s sister, Ruth Gibbins, has shared a deeply moving tribute to her late brother ahead of his final television appearance in Netflix’s upcoming talent series Building the Band, which debuts on July 9.
Payne, who tragically passed away in October 2023 at the age of 31, filmed his scenes for the show several months prior. The former One Direction star appears as a guest judge on the reality series alongside music heavyweights Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland. The series is hosted by Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean.
In an emotional post shared to her Instagram Story, Ruth reflected on her brother’s role in the series and the impact of watching him shine one final time on screen.
“I didn’t know whether to share this, but it felt odd when I’ve raved about Liam’s work and achievements for the past 15 years,” she wrote. “I’m heartbroken he never got the chance to see how brilliant he is in this show. He knew he had done a good job — we all told him this when we were at filming — but watching it back, wow!”
“You’re a star Liam, you always were and always will be,” she continued. “There are a range of emotions I felt watching this, but one of the main ones is immeasurable pride, always. Miss you more every day.”
The heartfelt post follows confirmation that Payne’s family fully supported his inclusion in the final cut of Building the Band. A source close to the production told The Sun: “Liam was on great form at filming, so everyone’s pleased fans will get to see the ‘real’ him one last time. It will be bittersweet when the show is released. Netflix have gone out of their way to make sure his family are happy. Producers sent them the footage so they are fully aware of what to expect and they have given it their blessing.”
The ten-part Netflix series offers a unique twist on the traditional music competition format. Contestants form bands while isolated in separate booths — reminiscent of Love Is Blind — relying solely on musical ability and emotional connection, without seeing each other.
Speaking about the concept, McLean explained: “Today’s most talented singers in the world will audition for each other and choose their own bandmates before ever seeing them. Our judge and mentor Nicole Scherzinger, and guest judges Kelly Rowland and the late Liam Payne, are from some of the biggest bands of all time. This show is all about one word: chemistry. And believe me — in a band, you really need some good chemistry.”
As fans prepare to watch Payne on screen once more, his family’s tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the legacy he leaves behind — not just as a global pop star, but as a brother who will be forever missed.
Godwin Obaje
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