Liam Payne's ex vows to support son Bear as she recalls final contact with singer just weeks before death: 'Doesn't feel real'

The days following saw Payne's girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, sharing an emotional message as well as Payne's ex and the mother of his child, Cheryl Cole.

Now, another of the singer's exes, Danielle Peazer, has added to the floods of tributes that have filled social media pages, with the 36-year-old model sharing a lengthy statement.

The two dated on and off between 2010 and 2013, with Peazer sharing a series of photos of the two as well as a message highlighting how Payne's role as a father to his young son, Bear, was his main priority in life.

Peazer penned: "Whilst we all take the time to navigate in a world without Liam, it's important to remember that while he was adored by millions as a world famous musician for the last decade, he was also someone's son and brother for more than 30 years, a friend to so many and more recently an uncle."

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The heartfelt statement continued: "His most important role and something he was the most proud of out of all of his monumental successes was that he was a father.

"The thought that there is now a child growing up without one of their parents is heartbreaking and unfair.

"To Liam's son Bear, as well as his parents and sisters, my love, thoughts and strength goes to you.

"The magnitude of this loss is incomprehensible and I will continue to support you in any way I am able to."

The message continued: "LJP, this still doesn't feel real. Despite being aware of your struggles over the years, I hoped and prayed that this day would never come.

"But now we're all facing the reality of living a life without your presence. It's common at times like this for people to say 'I hope he knew how much I cared about him' but I know that you knew how I felt, it was one thing we were really good at - being brutally honest with our feelings for each other, whether the other wanted to hear it or not.

"At times you were my favourite person in the whole world, but you could also wind me up so much and I probably annoyed the hell out of you sometimes too.

"It was something we learned to accept of each other over 14 years, we could disagree on so many things yet still look out for each other in times of need and laugh about our disagreements and petty behaviour 10 mins later.

"Our relationship may have ended back in 2013, but that seemed to be just the start of our story.

"The things we went through and experienced from then all the way until last year could be described as unique to some and misunderstood by others, but I think deep down we always knew we'd have some sort of connection forever, no matter where out individual lives took us.

"It took a little longer for you to figure out the person you wanted to be in order to be your happiest, but whilst most of us have out teens and twenties to ourselves, you spent those years giving more to the world than you ever needed to."

Sharing how Payne had reached out to her only recently, Peazer went on: "I wish you knew that you were always more than enough for this world without having to search for a role to play just to please others.

"Thank you for teaching me about the importance of setting boundaries, and that I should always protect my heart.

"Receiving a message from you a couple of weeks ago expressing your happiness for the love I found with Sonny and Mia is something I'll cherish forever.

"I'm sorry your story didn't end differently, and I'm sorry you didn't ever get to share more of your magic with the world. Rest easy my friend. Love Danielle x."

One Direction star Payne had been in the Argentinian capital for a couple of weeks after travelling with Cassidy to support former bandmate Niall Horan, who had been performing in the South American country.

Just days before his shock death, Cassidy explained on social media she'd decided to leave and return to her hometown of Florida in the US.

She explained on TikTok how she and Payne had only planned to stay for a few days and that she felt it was time to return home after they extended their holiday, leaving Payne alone in the days leading up to his untimely passing.

After thanking fans for their support, Cassidy continued in a post on Friday: "I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real."

Issuing a request to the public, she added: "I ask and pray that you'll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private.

"Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam."

Cole also broke her silence on Friday, issuing a plea as she shared her devastation over the tragedy.

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Taking to Instagram, the former Girls Aloud star, 41, penned: "I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.

"Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our seven year old son."

She shared a touching snap of Payne snuggled in bed with Bear, now-seven, when he was a baby.

The full heartbreaking statement reads: "As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being."

"Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.

"What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.

"I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.

"Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last. Thank you, Cheryl."