A MAJOR supermarket’s own-brand Irish cream has pipped Baileys to top spot in a blind taste test.
Consumer website Which? asked a group of Irish cream fans to rate their favourite tipple out of a list of six in the run up to Christmas.
And they gave Sainsbury’s 70cl boozy bottle, priced at £13, a 74% rating overall, beating Baileys to the number one spot.
Shoppers highlighted the products’ well-balanced sweet, boozy flavour and creamy mouthfeel.
Meanwhile, the 70cl bottle of Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, priced at £16.50, received a 73% overall rating.
The branded version scored high marks across the board, with most tasters praising its sweetness, creaminess and strength of alcohol.
M&S’ Irish Cream Liqueur (£10 for 70cl) scored a 72% overall rating, with Lidl coming in fourth with 71%.
Meanwhile, shoppers said Lidl’s Deluxe Irish Cream Liqueur, priced at £7.99 for a 70cl boozy bottle and the joint cheapest out of all six bottles, had a decent flavour and mouthfeel.
Aldi’s 70cl bottle was the other joint cheapest on the taste test, priced at £7.99.
However, it scored second lowest in the blind taste test, with panellists deeming it lacked flavour and aroma.
Morrisons‘ 1litre The Best Irish Cream Liqueur, priced at £16, scored the lowest out of all six bottles tasted by the panellists.
They found it had a good mouthfeel but the appearance, aroma and flavour were rated worse than the others in the line up.
Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: “Irish cream liqueur is a much-loved staple, and in the lead up to the festive season some shoppers will already be thinking about how they can get hold of a great-tasting option at a reasonable price.
“In our taste tests, Sainsbury’s was our panel’s top choice and was awarded a Best Buy.
“The bottle costs £3.50 less than Baileys and is a great budget-friendly alternative.”
It’s worth bearing in mind, the prices Which? found for the six bottles are correct as of October 15.
That means you might have to pay more or less when you come to buying one.
If you’re not fussed on flavour and are more worried about cutting costs, use a price comparison site to find the best deal.
Trolley lets you compare prices on thousands of products across the major supermarkets and filter results from the least to most expensive.
Bear in mind it doesn’t include prices from some retailers though, like Home Bargains and Lidl.
You can also have a quick scan of the internet with the Google Shopping/Product tab to see which retailer has the cheapest price on a specific product too.
In other taste test news, The Sun tried supermarket tinned pastas with a £1 can winning top spot.
Plus, reporter Joe Hadden tried the new tinned Heinz carbonara that can be cooked in two minutes.
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
OVER one million people face a shortfall of £2,858 in retirement, experts have warned.
Anyone who has just the state pension to live off would run out of cash today, according to the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA),
A single pensioner needs an annual income of £14,400 to meet the what the PLSA calls a “minimum” standard of living.
It aims to cover all of a retiree’s basic needs as well as to have a small amount left over for leisure.
But the new state pension is currently worth just £11,542 annually.
That means that those without extra savings would exhaust their income by October 18, which the PLSA has branded “State Pension Shortfall Day” .
Around 1.2million retirees will need to contribute an extra £2,858 from a private pension or other savings to bridge the gap.
Pensioners aiming for “moderate” or “comfortable” retirement need more savings to cover annual expenditures of £19,758 and £31,558 a year respectively.
A moderate retirement is considered slightly more extravagant, while a comfortable one includes extra cash for multiple holidays abroad.
It means those relying solely on the full new state pension would run out of money even earlier in the year if their spending aligned with these higher standards.
The PLSA updates its retirement living standards each year to consider the rising cost of living.
They’re designed to help savers determine how much cash they’ll need when they stop working.
They don’t count mortgage payments or rent or any financial support you give your children or other dependents.
If you think you’ll still have those costs to meet when you retire, you’ll need to up your savings considerably.
Stephen Lowe, group communications director at retirement specialist Just Group, said: “At a time when government support for retirees’ finances is under scrutiny, State Pension Shortfall Day marks the day in the year when a pensioner living to a ‘minimum’ standard would theoretically run out of money if their only source of retirement income were the state pension.
“Despite two successive, significant increases, the full new state pension still falls nearly £3,000 a year short of meeting the ‘minimum’ of the PLSA’s Retirement Living Standards and is nearly £20,000 lower than the income required to support a ‘moderate’ standard of living.”
AT the moment the new state pension is paid to both men and women from age 66 - but it's due to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046.
It is a recurring payment from the government most Brits start getting when they reach the state pension age.
However, not everyone gets the same amount, and you are awarded depending on your National Insurance record.
For most pensioners, it forms only part of their retirement income, as they could have other pots from a workplace pension, earning and savings.
The new state pension is based on people’s National Insurance records.
Workers must have 35 qualifying years of National Insurance to get the maximum amount of the new state pension.
You earn National Insurance qualifying years through work, or by getting credits, for instance when you are looking after children and claiming child benefit.
If you have gaps, you can top up your record by paying in voluntary National Insurance contributions.
To get the old, full basic state pension, you will need 30 years of contributions or credits.
You will need at least 10 years on your NI record to get any state pension.
The full rate of the new state pension is £221.20 a week – or £11,542 a year.
Under the old system, the full basic state pension is £169.50 per week and is paid to those who retired before April 6, 2016.
State pension payments are expected to rise by 4.1% in line with wages from April 2025.
This means someone on the full new state pension will see their payments rise by around £473 a year next spring.
The PLSA’s minimum retirement living standard covers all of a retiree’s basic needs as well as having some money left over for fun.
It includes a week’s staycation each year, eating out once a month, and some affordable leisure activities twice a week – but no car.
The PLSA says to afford this retirement, you would need an annual budget of £14,400 as a single person and £22,400 as a couple.
It’s important to remember that the state pension will make up part of that income.
Retirees can start to claim the state pension at 66, though if you’re retiring after 2026, you’ll almost definitely see that minimum age rise.
Those claiming the full flat rate state pension now receive £221.20 a week, equal to £11,542 a year.
However, not everyone qualifies for the full amount.
If you had gaps during your working year, you may have paid less national insurance and would receive a smaller state pension to reflect that.
However, millions of retirees can still top up their national insurance contributions.
For a slightly more extravagant retirement, an individual will need an income of £31,300 a year or £43,100 for a couple.
The moderate retirement living standard includes a two-week holiday in Europe each year and eating out a few times a month.
Around half of single employees are estimated to be on track to achieve a minimum or moderate retirement, with couples more likely to be at the top end of this range.
To live comfortably in retirement, the PLSA said an individual would need an income of £43,100 a year, and a couple would need £59,000 between them.
This includes a three-week holiday, plenty of money to spend on clothing and more on social activities such as birthdays.
It would also be enough to cover several UK minibreaks a year.
ANYONE planning their retirement needs to do some careful calculations about how much they will need to afford the lifestyle they want.
A good starting point is the government’s state pension age calculator, which will tell you when you will receive your state pension.
Visit gov.uk/state-pension-age to find out more.
Pension calculators can also help you determine how much money you need to save to have the pension pot you want at retirement.
The earlier you start saving, the easier it is as your money grows longer.
And you’re not on your own when saving for retirement.
Your workplace will almost certainly contribute some money to your pension pot, too, and you get tax relief from the government, which reduces the amount you have to pay yourself.
HARRY Styles has paid tribute to Liam Payne after the star’s tragic death in Argentina yesterday.
The former One Direction singer shared a picture of Liam on Instagram alongside a heartfelt statement.
Harry wrote: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
“He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.
“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life.
“I will miss him always, my lovely friend.
“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”
One Direction paid tribute to Liam as a group earlier on Thursday, saying in a statement: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
“But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
“We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
WATER giants want to flush out even more cash from hard-pressed customers by adding another £100 to bills over five years.
The biggest suppliers in England and Wales say they need price rises above the levels they have already asked for, despite the regulator telling them that even those amounts were too high.
In July, Ofwat said bills could go up by an average of £94 in the period up to 2030 — a 21 per cent hike, typically working out at an extra £19 a year.
But most companies have now submitted new plans, saying they need to cover urgent investment to cut sewage spills and combat leaky pipes, as well as higher debt interest costs.
It emerged as one provider, United Utilities, was yesterday accused of failing to report more than 100million litres of raw sewage being illegally dumped into Lake Windermere over a three-year period.
Southern Water has already asked to lift bills by 72 per cent from £420.35 a year to £627 a year. Ofwat said in July this should be limited to 44 per cent, but now bosses want more.
Troubled Thames Water says it needs to raise bills by 59 per cent to survive, but Ofwat wants a limit of 23 per cent.
Thames creditors argue that unless Ofwat approves the bigger rise, investors will desert the business and it could run out of cash by the New Year.
They say that could create a domino effect, causing an overall lack of appetite to invest in UK infrastructure.
THE fashion group behind Jacamo, JD Williams and Simply Be is being taken private in a £191million deal by the family that built the business up 60 years ago.
Joshua Alliance is to pay 40p per share for the 40 per cent of the N Brown Group that his family does not already own.
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has 20 per cent and will make a sizeable profit after upping its stake in February when the shares were sitting at only 18p.
The stock price of N Brown, which recently called on TV’s Denise van Outen to front JD Williams adverts, jumped by 45 per cent yesterday on the back of the bid.
Mr Alliance, 35, has a 6.6 per cent stake while his father, 92-year-old Lord David Alliance, who bought the business in 1963, has 53.4 per cent.
Lord David was once known as the King of British Textile for his empire that included Coats Viyella.
He started his career working in bazaars in Iran before moving to Manchester to work in the rag trade.
Joshua Alliance said N Brown would be better off in private hands because, due to its current shareholder ownership, it is “not benefiting from being listed on the AIM market — whilst having to bear significant costs associated with its listing”.
He said: “In the business’s current cycle of evolution, we will be able to achieve this growth potential more successfully away from the public markets.”
KITKAT maker Nestle has halved its growth expectations for the year after blaming weaker demand and boycotts linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
The world’s biggest food group said its sales would grow by around 2 per cent this year, rather than the 4 per cent expectation it had at the start of the year.
It said its growth was impacted by “soft consumer demand and consumer hesitancy towards global brands, linked to geopolitical tension”.
The cost of living crisis has also prompted many shoppers to turn their back on many big brands, which have raised prices and shrunk packets to boost their profits.
The Swiss food giant follows global giants Starbucks and McDonald’s in being impacted by boycotts linked to the conflict in Gaza.
Nestle has become a target for the boycott due to its stake in Israeli food seller Osem.
SHOPPERS will be protected by new rules around “Buy Now, Pay Later” firms, the City watchdog has confirmed.
Regulation around BNPL products, such as Klarna and Clearpay, will finally kick in by early 2026, the Financial Conduct Authority has said.
Proposals to regulate BNPL were first touted in 2021. The new rules will mean firms must follow the same laws covering credit cards and customers will be protected if things go wrong.
FACEBOOK’S Mark Zuckerberg has fired almost 30 workers on six-figure salaries for using meal credits to buy goods such as wine glasses.
Staff at Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, were being paid £300,000 but still received perks including free meal vouchers to buy breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A probe found the sacked workers had used them to buy toothpaste and cosmetics.
Meta, worth £1.1trillion, has led an efficiency drive which has included 21,000 lay-offs in the past two years.
THE boss of Ladbrokes owner Entain has lifted its profit forecasts after a boost from the recent Euros and NFL matches. But Gavin Isaacs yesterday also warned the Government that a tax grab on the gambling sector would lead to job losses.
BRITS had more than £571million stolen by fraudsters and scammers in the first six months of the year.
There were almost 2,000 cases of romance scams, with customers losing £14.5million, says UK Finance data.
Criminals posing as bank staff or police stole £32.3million, while fraudsters pretending to be bosses to trick victims into transferring cash led to a £7.8million loss.
Banks are calling on social media firms to help tackle scammers at source because most fraud starts online.
TEMPLEGATE tackles Friday’s racing looking to land some winners and build the bank for Champions Day on Saturday.
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WADE OUT (1.35 Uttoxeter, nap)
Olly Murphy’s five-year-old won his only point-to-point in Ireland before taking a Market Rasen bumper in first gear. He showed a good engine there and has a bright future over hurdles. This trip on decent ground should be ideal.
CHARGING THUNDER (2.00 Fakenham, nb)
He won his sole run on the Flat after moving to James Owen and his staying power will come in handy now he’s jumping a hurdle. He’s built for the winter game and the booking of Harry Cobden takes the eye.
SOMETHING (5.00 Newcastle, nb)
Had three lengths in hand here on Tuesday and can follow up under a penalty. He will take some pegging back from the front.
UNIQUE SPIRIT (4.25 Newcastle, Lucky 15)
Did well to score from a mile back here last time. A 2lb rise won’t put the brakes on.
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
ARIES
March 21 to April 20
Money makes the world go round, but if you start to see you’re letting cash take too much control, the moon can help you change this.
Plus, you can cut any ties that keep you repeating habits that no longer fit you.
Love-wise, this can be a day of acceptance, as you let go of what cannot be, and look forward with optimism
TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
Your moon-powered personality zone creates an air of mystery wherever you are.
So even a few formal words over the phone or in a message can light up a life-changing connection.
If you’re settled with someone, friendship and passion make a fabulous mix, and loyalty matters to you, whether or not you admit it
Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
GEMINI
May 22 to June 21
You have such a lot to give, but with the moon challenging Mercury, it may be hard to see how to do this well.
A “P” offer that appears today can plant you at the heart of a group that’s ready to take on the world.
Your learning skills are on the up, so you can breeze into a new qualification, or start a test application again.
Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CANCER
June 22 to July 22
You shine through as the calm voice of reason in a group. But talking to yourself in a kinder way, too, can unlock positive feelings.
Mer-cury adds your unique voice to an ongoing creative discussion. This can get professional sources asking questions about you.
A prize you have long eyed up is getting closer
Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LEO
July 23 to August 23
Personal success is running through your chart – of all the chances you wish you had grabbed over the past few months, the right ones can reappear today.
This may include a celebrity name, or set of numbers.
Your love zone has an intensity that underlies some light-hearted queue banter, with red-hot results.
Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
VIRGO
August 24 to September 22
You have a streak of adventure that turns back time or turns up the heat – maybe both.
The wonderful way you make every single person in your life feel extra special sets you apart.
But think carefully about a workplace bond – and when (or if!) you should cross a line. Lucky numbers start or end with your birth date.
Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LIBRA
September 23 to October 23
You bring new levels of creativity to a project. This can reinvigorate everyone in- volved. This time, a shared solution can be found.
As for love, what you learn about people close to you is a surprise – but it’s what you learn about yourself that has the real wow factor.
Single? A music class can play your love tune.
Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.
SCORPIO
October 24 to November 22
Your chart is togetherness-focused today. If you’ve been pulling away from someone (partner, parent, friend, colleague) now you find ways to reconnect.
It’s important to deal with an issue rather than leaving it to grow.
Saturn’s support highlights an entertainment-led group as a great place for you to be.
Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 to December 21
Your health is your own business. As soon as you decide to take charge of this, you can feel the difference. Start working positively with what you have, rather than dwelling negatively on what you don’t.
A love bond that’s equal in every way can be part of your near future, linked to
“T”. Lucky names link to early schooldays
Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CAPRICORN
December 22 to January 20
Prizes, romance and playfulness make up the sociable heart of your chart, but you may not always notice them.
So make a promise to yourself to really look, listen and learn, everywhere you go, including unlikely locations.
If a family request is aimed at your heart, transfer it to your head – apply famous Capricorn logic.
Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
AQUARIUS
January 21 to February 18
A home-enhancing moon can give rise to such a special feeling in a location that feels familiar, even if you’ve never been there before. Do act on this and secure your future.
Maybe you long to be a different kind of lover, but it’s hard to decide how or when.
Today, as Saturn inspires loyalty vibes, you can take the first step
Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
PISCES
February 19 to March 20
Too many options can prove too much for your Pisces mind, so take time to scale down your choices and leave yourself with a small selection you sense could work.
When you invest your whole self in one of these, the future can flower.
News of a new, maybe part-time, work placement can re-open a romance route
Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
MAYA Jama shows her soft side as she steps out in a belted furry trench coat.
The Love Island host, 30, looked effortlessly glamorous as she attended the opening of a Burberry store in New York.
She rubbed shoulders with Cher and Cara Delevingne at the star-studded bash.
Maya split from rapper Stormzy in July.
He was spotted with new flame singer- songwriter Victoria Monet last week.
Newly single Maya Jama has been spotted out with friends several times over the past weeks – following her split from Stormzy.
The former couple shared a statement on Instagram – which left fans blindsided.
She recently enjoyed some down time after wrapping up Love Island.
In one snap she gave the camera two middle fingers, wearing a colourful bucket hat with a cheeky grin.
In another Maya showed off her incredible figure in a black bikini while sunbathing.
Maya has also treated fans to a throwback snap from the matchmaking programme as she gave a glimpse of her “unseen” Love Island bikini look.
The former Radio 1 host often delights fans with her sizzling on-screen outfits as she heads into the villa.
LIAM Payne gave fans a glimpse inside the multi-million-dollar mansion he had been living in before his death.
The ex-One Direction star passed away aged 31 after tragically falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday afternoon.
His girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, flew back to their rental home in South Florida just days before the tragic event, saying she was ready to leave after two weeks away.
Rewind only a few months and the couple opened the property’s doors in a series of satirical Snapchat posts.
Liam appeared happy and relaxed in the video, showcasing the $9,500-a-month Spanish-style mansion.
The $1.73 million rented home is located in an exclusive gated community in Wellington, Florida, known as ‘Horse Town USA’ for its residents’ love of equestrian sports.
It’s just 25 miles away from the affluent town of Jupiter, whose residents include Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, among other A-listers.
In one video, Liam imitated the U.S. show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous for comedic effect.
Wearing sunglasses in front of the its bright white exterior, he waved his arm and joked, “Who lives in a house like this? Let’s go and find out.”
Inside, he introduced the home by saying, “Welcome to LJP Cribs,” and continued with playful remarks, “Built during the first revolution, original stone… since then they knocked a few walls through and the ceiling was vaulted twice.”
Wearing a gold chain and an oversized safety pin around his neck over a grey vest, he walked past two wicker baskets, quipping, “This is where I kept my pet snakes, Sid and Alan.”
As he walked through the sparsely furnished home, Liam humorously claimed that one archway “did contain one of the most important paintings in the world inside it, but it was stolen.”
He pointed out some closets, laughing, “This is where we hide people,” and later, while showing another closet full of Kate’s shoes, added, “This is where we hide a few more people.”
Liam also gave a playful tour of the dining room, questioning, “Do you ever actually eat at your dining table?”
As he moved through the home, he stopped at the drawing room and asked, “Why is a drawing room called a drawing room?”
Moving upstairs, he strolled down the hallway, narrating, “I’m a busy man, I’m a very, very busy man so I need space to think.”
Liam, moving to the upstairs hallway, declared, “I will now go down the dizzy staircase and continue on with my day. Thanks for watching LJP Cribs.”
The property features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a saltwater pool, and a courtyard with waterfalls.
It is part of a gated community that offers resort-style amenities, including a gym, spa, and tennis courts.
The home is surrounded by towering palm trees, with a balcony above the entrance and a turret rising three stories high.
Since September, Kate had shared several videos of their Florida home on TikTok, where she also gave a tour of the property.
In one video, she said, “I’m always doing little hotel tours – and we just moved so I figured I’d do a mini house tour,” while showing off various rooms, including the pool area, dining room, and walk-in closets.
She pointed out different areas of the house, including the mustard-colored sofa in the living room, dark wood tables, and candles. She joked about her love for barbecuing, saying, “Honestly, this is kinda fun… welcome to the house.”
As she showed viewers a second living room, she described it as having “a more nighttime vibe,” and added, “If you want sun and your cup of coffee in the morning, living room number one is your place to be.”
The couple often shared snaps and videos from the property, located in Wellington, a well-heeled Florida enclave known for its equestrian sports.
Before his move to Florida, Liam had previously owned a $10.2 million mansion in Calabasas, California, which he sold in 2021.
Liam’s lighthearted tone in the video stood in stark contrast to the tragic events that followed.
Liam’s autopsy revealed he suffered severe injuries that led to “internal and external haemorrhaging”.
His family issued a statement today, which read: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Meanwhile, this afternoon harrowing pictures emerged that show inside Liam’s hotel room shortly after his fatal fall.
Argentine media have published troubling images showing white powder, burnt aluminium foil and a smashed TV screen.
Several images show what is reported to be the inside of the former One Direction singer’s luxury suite at the upmarket Hotel CasaSur Palermo, according to Argentina‘s biggest newspaper Clarin.
Buenos Aires police confirmed the room was in a state of “total disorder”.
They released a statement saying: “Upon entering, total disorder was observed, with various elements broken.
“The balcony area was inspected in order to establish access to it.”
Clarin, Argentina’s biggest newspaper, published the images alongside a report saying: “Damage and drugs in the hotel room Liam Payne was staying in in Buenos Aires.”
The singer had been open about his battles with addiction in the past.
But cops are yet to confirm what the substances found in the room are and are due to run tests on them shortly.
It comes as:
A final 911 call from hotel staff on Wednesday revealed they needed “urgent assistance” from cops to help with a guest “behaving erratically”.
Argentinian police said staff reported an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
Witnesses at the hotel reported Liam had to be carried back to his room, according to TMZ.
Recordings from the 911 calls made by the head of reception show them reporting “a guest who is destroying everything in his room”.
In a second appeal for help the receptionist said: “We need you to send someone urgently because I don’t know if the guest’s life is in danger.
“They must be in a room that has a balcony. And well, we’re a little bit worried he’ll do something, that he’ll put his life at risk.”
Liam was found dead in the hotel’s inner courtyard at around 5pm local time (9pm UK time).
SHOCKED friends, family and fans have paid heartbreaking tributes to Liam as news of the singer's death circulated across the world.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning today.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show today and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
His death was confirmed as soon as ambulance crews arrived.
A red tent was put up over Liam’s body as cops began to investigate the death.
Forensic police worked with ambulance staff at the scene before they moved his body to a morgue.
A post-mortem is expected to be completed soon.
The singer was in Buenos Aires for a holiday after going to see pal Niall Horan’s tour.
He had arrived on September 30 with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.
Weeping fans crowded outside the hotel holding a candlelit vigil overnight in honour of the beloved singer.
Liam leaves behind his seven-year-old son Bear whom he shared with Cheryl after the pair met when Liam was on The X Factor.
MIRANDA Hart says she farted within ten minutes on her first date with her new hubby — before they bonded over sloppy pizza.
The comedian, 51, who wed Richard Fairs earlier this year, told a podcast: “We were chatting, all very fun from the off.
“Then the pizza comes but it had shunted up to one end, mozzarella was leaking everywhere.”
Miranda said she “went on and on getting full-on teenage grumpy”, but was delighted that “shy and sweet” Richard was too.
She added: “We formed this delicious connection.
“It kickstarted the freedom for us to start meeting and connecting.”
When Richard texted about another date, she said: “I was like he does like me because I was who I was, and probably farted within ten minutes.”
She has been off screens recently as she battles chronic fatigue.
Earlier this month, the BBC favourite revealed she had secretly got married following a debilitating health battle.
The Miranda star, 51, then shared a first look of her husband after she was spotted enjoying a bike ride with a mystery man months before confirming her nuptials.
Now she had shed light on their relationship history – and everything wasn’t completely smooth.
In her new book, she told that she “briefly” split with the building surveyor before he popped the question in Kew Gardens.
In her tome, I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You, Miranda wrote: “I admitted that I was longing for love within a romantic relationship too, for that one person who truly got me, but my hope for that was very, very slim.”