Ant Middleton, Liam Payne’s buddy and adventurous co-star from the 2019 documentary Ant Middleton & Liam Payne: Straight Talking, reacted to the heartbreaking news of Liam’s passing while trying not to drown on live television. Because, you know, nothing says βprofessionalismβ quite like delivering tragic news while soaked to the bone!
During an interview on Australiaβs Sunrise, the 44-year-old adventurer and TV personality, dripping wet and possibly fighting off a rogue wave, shared his feelings. βI speak to Liam quite often; heβs a good friend of mine. And, wow, Iβm shocked. This is obviously the first Iβm hearing of it,β he said, looking like heβd just emerged from an Olympic swimming competition. βI donβt really know what to say about that. Iβm going to have to make sure that I reach out to the relevant people to find out whatβs happened to my good friend.β
Clearly still trying to process the news, Ant added, βBut yeah, my condolences, and I hope they find out whatβs gone on. Also, if someone could hand me a towel, thatβd be great!β
Then, with the grace of someone balancing on a tightrope while juggling flaming torches, Ant reminisced about their bond. βAfter we filmed Straight Talking, we formed a brotherhood. He was like a younger brother to me. He would confide in me, and Iβd pop over for a cuppa. Sure, he had some celebrity-sized issuesβwho doesnβt?βbut nothing a solid chat over tea couldnβt fix! Iβm just really shocked right now, wow. Seriously, someone fetch me a towel!β
He went on to remember Liam fondly, saying, βHe had a lovely aura around him. The guy practically radiated positive energy like a human disco ball! He was a visionary, always thinking big and dreaming bigger, which is probably why he shot to superstardom faster than I can say βOne Direction.ββ
And speaking of the boy band, Ant declared, βLiam was the glue that held One Direction together. You know, the kind of glue that doesnβt dry up and leave you stuck in a DIY nightmare. He was loved, and itβs such a shame to see such a bright light dim so soon. Now, if only I could find a way to dry off while still delivering this heartfelt message!β
So, as we all process this sad news, letβs remember Liam for his vibrant spirit and the laughter he brought into the worldβalong with a fair share of adventure, as Ant will surely remind us while battling Mother Nature on live TV!