Marvin Humes feels "super proud" of Liam Payne's legacy.
The 39-year-old singer first met the former One Direction star - who died in Buenos Aires on Wednesday (16.10.24), aged 31 - back in 2008, when Liam auditioned on the UK version of 'The X Factor', and Marvin has now paid a heartfelt tribute to his showbiz pal.
Marvin - who is best known for starring in the pop group JLS - said on KISS: "Personally, you know, devastating news.
"I first met Liam when he was 14 years old as JLS and Liam, back in 2008, when we auditioned for 'The X Factor' and we just instantly clicked, you know?
"We kinda took him in under our wing and always joked he was like the fifth member of the band and we just got on so well."
Liam returned to 'The X Factor' in 2010, when he joined Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik in One Direction.
Marvin recalled giving Liam some words of advice in 2008, and admitted that he now feels proud of Liam and of what he managed to achieve during his music career.
Marvin recalled: "It unfortunately didn't work out for him [in 2008] and I remember putting my arm around him and saying, 'You're so talented, mate. You're only 14 years old, it's gonna work out for you. Just come back and try again'.
"And that's what he did - two years later, re-auditioned and One Direction were born and the rest is history. They went on to be one of the biggest bands of all time and I'm super proud of Liam, and what he achieved and what the boys achieved."
