Simon Cowell has spoken out for the first time since the death of former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 31.

He was nowhere to be seen at Winter Wonderland's VIP launch night, which took place hours after Liam's funeral, despite planning to attend up until the last minute. Fans had feared he'd been overcome with grief, as the pair had worked closely together after first meeting on X-Factor when Liam was just 14.

Cheryl and Simon Cowell have had a rocky relationship over the years, but have recently come together in their grief to mourn the loss of former One Direction star Liam Payne

Former “ American Idol ” judge Simon Cowell attended the funeral services for Liam Payne on November 20. According to Page Six, Cowell was in tears as he embraced Payne’s parents at the cemetery.

Cheryl and Simon Cowell once went years without speaking, but let bygones be bygones on the day of Liam Payne's funeral

Music mogul Simon Cowell was comforted by Liam Payne's parents during a funeral service for the recently deceased singer. Payne died at the age of 31 on October 16 after falling f

Former X Factor boss Simon Cowell was supported by Liam Payne's parents as he attended the intimate funeral for the late One Direction singer, who died at the age of 31

Liam Payne died on October 16 after falling from the third floor of a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.