Scott Mills has revealed the contents of his conversation with Liam Payne's father following his emotional tribute to the late singer.
The presenter, 51, fondly recounted his memories with the One Direction star and joked that he felt like the 'sixth member' of the boy band, while on air last week as he addressed the 'incredibly sad' news of his death.
Speaking on his afternoon BBC Radio 2 show the day after Liam's shock passing in Argentina on 16 October, Scott paid homage to his late pal and expressed his sorrow that the world has had to 'say goodbye to him so soon'.
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He told listeners: "I had so much fun with One Direction, as a lot of you will know, over the years and they are memories will stay with me for life, and Liam was such a big part of it.
"I'm still finding it really hard to believe today. I know a lot of you will be feeling this very deeply, as I am, this afternoon."
Scott went on to explain how he had also got to know Liam's loved ones over the years too, including his dad Geoff, who is also a big fan of his radio show.
The DJ then personally addressed the father-of-three while fighting back tears, saying: "Geoff, I don't know if you're hearing this, but my heart goes out to you today and to the rest of Liam's family, and, of course, to his little boy.
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"I just feel so incredibly sad about all of this. Liam, we had so much fun and you were always the kindest, most caring person to me.
"Thank you for letting me be part of your ride. I will never forget it."
"The band were all so lovely always, but Liam was kind of the grown-up one in the group, the wise one," Scott continued.
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"And I can't bear that this is where Liam's story has ended."
Fans praised Scott for the 'beautiful' and 'heartfelt' tribute to Liam, who passed away after falling from a third floor balcony at his hotel in Buenos Aires.
The preliminary results of an autopsy confirmed that he had died from 'internal and external haemorrhaging' sustained from the fall.
Geoff has since travelled to the Argentinian capital to organise the repatriation of his son and has been seen reading tributes left by fans outside of the Casa Sur Hotel, as well as picking up pictures of Liam to kiss them.
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Scott revealed that he has been in touch with Liam's dad while he has been in the South American country, explaining that Geoff had reached out to thank him for his moving tribute on Radio 2 last week.
Updating listeners, the host explained: "He won’t mind me saying this - I was texting Geoff, Liam's dad, the other day when he was in Argentina and he said he has posted our tribute we did to Liam last week to the family WhatsApp group. He thought it was wonderful, especially all of the messages and comments you put underneath the video on the Radio 2 Instagram.
"He just wanted me to thank you all for all the beautiful heartfelt messages that you have put on there. He’s read all of them.
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"And for him to reach out and say thank you like that during such a difficult time, where him and all of Liam's close ones will be hurting so much, just shows you what I’ve known all along - what a kind family they are.
"So, sending you all our love Geoff to you and the rest of the family. And to all his friends. We’re all still thinking of you."
In a joint statement on Thursday (17 October), Liam's family said they were 'heartbroken'.
It read: "Liam will forever live in our hearts, and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.
"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."
Liam's former partner and mother of his young son, Cheryl Cole, described his death as a 'earth-shattering event'.
"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 wrote in a post on Instagram.
"A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again."
Topics: BBC, Celebrity, Liam Payne, Parenting, World News, Celebrity News, News, Music, UK News
Olivia Burke