Liam Payne's sister Ruth Gibbins has spoken of her “immeasurable pride” ahead of the late singer’s final television appearance on the upcoming Netflix talent series Building the Band.
The show, which was filmed prior to Payne’s death in October 2023 at the age of 31, is set to debut on July 9.
The former One Direction star appears as a guest judge on the series, which is hosted by Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean and also features Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland.
Taking to social media, Ruth described her brother as “a star” and said it meant the world to see him doing what he loved.
“I didn't know whether to share this, but it felt odd when I've raved about Liam's work and achievements for the past 15 years,” she penned on her Instagram Story.
“I'm heartbroken he never got the chance to see how brilliant he is in this show. He knew he had done a good job, we all told him this when we were at filming, but watching it back, wow!.
“You're a star Liam, you always were and always will be. There are a range of emotions I felt watching this, but one of the main ones is immeasurable pride, always.
“Miss you more every day.”
Payne’s appearance was filmed months before he passed away after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
The ten-part series puts a twist on the traditional music competition format.
Contestants will sit in separate booths, similar to Love Is Blind, and must form bands based solely on musical ability, compatibility, and connection without ever seeing each other.
McLean previously said of the show: “Today's most talented singers in the world will audition for each other and choose their own bandmates before ever seeing them.
“Our judge and mentor Nicole Scherzinger, and guest judges Kelly Rowland and the late Liam Payne, are from some of the biggest bands of all time. This show is all about one word: chemistry. And believe me: in a band, you really need some good chemistry.”
Previously, The Sun reported that his family reviewed the show ahead of release and supported his inclusion in the final edit.
A source shared: “Liam was on great form at filming so everyone's pleased fans will get to see the ‘real’ him one last time. It will be bittersweet when the show is released.
“Netflix have gone out of their way to make sure his family are happy. Producers sent them the footage so they are fully aware of what to expect and they have given it their blessing.”
In February, a court in Argentina dropped charges of criminal negligence against three out of the five people who had been charged in connection with the performer’s death.
In March, Payne was remembered at the Brit Awards with a video montage which showed him with his family, as well as a clip from his time on The X Factor and then with One Direction, who won seven Brit Awards before they split up.
