Liam Payne’s sister Nicola breaks silence on last time she saw him alive

Liam Payne’s sister Nicola has paid tribute to the late One Direction star on what would have been his 32nd birthday, and admitted she still finds it “incredibly hard” to process his death

Liam Payne’s sister has shared a heartfelt tribute on what would have been the One Direction star’s 32nd birthday, reminiscing about the last time they celebrated together. The pop singer tragically passed away after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina last October, and his elder sister Nicola, 37, took to Instagram on August 29 to recall their final birthday celebration.

She penned: “A year ago today, we were so full of hope and excitement for what the years ahead would bring you. That night, celebrating your birthday with bowling and McDonald’s, we celebrated you, your show, your dreams, and spoke of all the plans you had for the future.

“We ended the evening with a hug, telling you how proud we were and how much we loved you.

“If I had known that would be the last time I’d see you, I would have said so much more. I wish I could step into a time machine and relive that night and hug you tighter, capture your smile and voice, ask more questions, and write it all down so I’d never forget. I hope you’re happy, at peace, and know how deeply you are loved. I miss you every single day, and I don’t think there will ever be a day that I don’t.

“So today, on your birthday, I want to wish you the happiest heavenly birthday. Wherever you are, I hope you’re celebrating and hopefully you’ve scored a few strikes too. Love you always.”

Nicola has previously confessed that she still finds it “incredibly hard” to come to terms with Liam’s untimely death.

Following the debut of his final TV programme, talent competition Building the Band, on Netflix, Nicola paid a touching tribute to her “incredible” younger brother.

In July, she posted on Instagram: “9 months ago today, our lives changed forever. I still find it incredibly hard to process what happened. I’m not sure I ever fully will, or even want to.

“Liam, you are the most incredible person. For those of us lucky enough to know and love you, our lives were truly blessed.”

Nicola reckons Building the Band – where Liam appeared as a guest judge – captured her brother at his finest, and it will forever “hold a special place in [her] heart” as filming marked one of the final occasions she spent time with the Strip That Down star.

She added: “Today, the world gets to see just a glimpse of your passion and talent and wow, you are amazing in this show.

“You cared so deeply about the people around you. You wanted to make a difference, and you are lighting up that stage like you were born to do.

“You were made to be a judge, to guide, to encourage, and to let your voice be heard. Watching you in this show, I’ve never been more proud.

“I just wish you got to see it. It’s everything we knew it would be when we were at filming.

“This show will forever hold a special place in my heart because it’s one of the last times I saw you, and I got to witness you shine so bloody brightly, but it’s also allowed me to still feel close to you. I love you so much, and I miss you even more. I hate that this happened.”