Comic Relief viewers were left sobbing after the show paid tribute to late stars who supported the charity as it celebrated its 40th anniversary on Friday.

In the emotional memoriam segment they honoured a whole host of stars including Liam Payne, The Vivienne and Caroline Flack alongside clips of their iconic Comic Relief appearances over the years.

Liam, who tragically di3d after falling from a balcony in Argentina in October 2024 aged 31, took pride of place at the end of the montage as he performed with his fellow One Direction bandmates.

Host Davina McCall, 57,,  introduced the segment and said the late stars helped make Comic Relief ‘have been the best days of our lives’ as the montage began with Queen’s Those Who The Days playing.

Other famous faces honoured included Girls Aloud’s Sarah Harding and The Wanted’s Tom Parker who had both performed during the live telethon.

As well as Hairy Bikers’ Dave Myers, Cilla Black, Bob Hoskins and Sir Michel Parkinson and Sir Ronnie Corbett who both appeared in Peter Kay’s (Is This The Way To) Amarillo video for the charity in 2005.

Comic Relief viewers were left sobbing after the show paid tribute to late stars who supported the charity as it celebrated its 40th anniversary on Friday
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Comic Relief viewers were left sobbing after the show paid tribute to late stars who supported the charity as it celebrated its 40th anniversary on Friday

In the emotional memoriam segment they honoured a whole host of stars including Liam , The Vivienne and ...

Caroline Flack alongside clips of their iconic Comic Relief appearances over the years

The emotional memoriam segment honoured a whole host of stars including Liam , The Vivienne and Caroline Flack alongside clips of their iconic Comic Relief appearances over the years.

Taking to X fans gushed: ‘Liam was included in a round up of the last 40 years of Comic Relief and those who had taken part and passed away’:  ‘The tribute to Liam on Comic relief’: ‘Seeing Liam on the in memoriam sections of things i’ve grown up with like Comic Relief will never not be gut wrenching’.

‘Seeing the tribute to Liam on Comic Relief had me sobbing’: ‘Comic Relief remembering Tom Parker and Liam Payne’: ‘The tribute to out angel Sarah on Comic Relief’: ‘Comic Relief pays tribute to our dearest Sarah’.

It comes after Liam’s former girlfriend broke down in tears as she stumbled upon a dress and pair of shoes she wore to a wedding with the late singer.

He had been dating influencer Kate, 25, for two years when he di3d – and she had been with him in Argentina until two days before his d3ath.

Taking to TikTok on Thursday, Kate shared that she had finally braved looking trough boxes of her things from her last few weeks with Liam.

It was during that time that she discovered a yellow gown and worn white stilettos – which she had worn to a wedding with Liam in August.

The discovery made Kate emotional as she recalled the wedding, and shared a sweet memory of ‘dancing the night away’ with Liam.

‘I’ve had these boxes sitting down here in my basement for probably three or four months now,’ she said.

Liam, who died after falling from a balcony in Argentina in October 2024 aged 31, took pride of place at the end of the montage as he performed with his One Direction bandmates
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Liam, who di3d after falling from a balcony in Argentina in October 2024 aged 31, took pride of place at the end of the montage as he performed with his One Direction bandmates

Other famous faces honoured included Girls Aloud 's Sarah Harding and The Wanted 's Tom Parker who had both performed during the live telethon
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Other famous faces honoured included Girls Aloud ‘s Sarah Harding and The Wanted ‘s Tom Parker who had both performed during the live telethon

Host Davina McCall, 57,, introduced the segment and said the late stars helped make Comic Relief 'have been the best days of our lives' as the montage began with Queen's Those Who The Days playing
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View gallery

Host Davina McCall, 57,, introduced the segment and said the late stars helped make Comic Relief 'have been the best days of our lives' as the montage began with Queen's Those Who The Days playing
+10
View gallery

Host Davina McCall, 57,, introduced the segment and said the late stars helped make Comic Relief ‘have been the best days of our lives’ as the montage began with Queen’s Those Who The Days playing


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Taking to X fans gushed: 'Liam was included in a round up of the last 40 years of Comic Relief and those who had taken part and passed away'

Taking to X fans gushed: ‘Liam was included in a round up of the last 40 years of Comic Relief and those who had taken part and passed away’

‘I have just been absolutely dreading opening up these boxes and going through these things because they’re just like the things I had in the last couple of months and weeks with Liam.

‘So I’ve really been procrastinating opening these boxes and sorting through these boxes and that’s what I’ve been doing for the past hour, just organising and getting my things together and packing up my stuff.

‘And um… [chokes up] I open this box – I’m really trying to pull it together right now – and I found this dress.’

Kate continued: ‘This dress actually brings me so much peace and comfort because the memory that me and Liam had in this dress was a memory I will never forget.

‘We went to this beautiful wedding and it was my very first wedding I’ve ever attended.

‘Oh my god we just had the best time… and the best part about this is in another box these shoes, and I remember the next morning and I said to Liam “Oh my god look at my shoes they’re so ruined, I don’t know what to do with them” – and when I tell you these shoes were practically almost new before I wore them this night, we just literally danced the night away.’

She added: ‘We were just dancing all night, walking around this venue, exploring, and I just can’t even believe I didn’t throw these out. And I’m so glad I didn’t.

‘This memory is literally embedded in these shoes.’

Madison Donnan revealed the extraordinary lengths Liam went to just weeks before his d3ath to make it to the wedding referenced by Kate.

 

Liam Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy broke down in tears as she stumbled upon a dress and pair of shoes
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It comes after Liam’s former girlfriend broke down in tears as she stumbled upon a dress and pair of shoes she wore to a wedding with the late singer

Kate discovered a yellow gown and worn white stilettos - which she had worn to a wedding with Liam in August (Pictured)
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Kate discovered a yellow gown and worn white stilettos – which she had worn to a wedding with Liam in August (Pictured)

The influencer wed businessman Matthew Kenner in a lavish ceremony in Paris in August, with Liam flying from a far-flung unknown location to get to their nuptials in time.

Madison wrote: ‘We are still in disbelief that we lost our dear friend Liam. He was a talented singer, songwriter, and most importantly, a cherished friend whose spirit lit up every room he entered.

‘His infectious laughter and genuine interest left a lasting impression on all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

‘Today, as we honor Liam’s memory, let us not only celebrate his artistry but also the profound impact he had as a friend.

‘Liam left filming to catch a red eye and make it to our wedding. He waited at the end of the aisle to be the first to congratulate us.’

She added: ‘It was impossible not to love him. To his girlfriend Kate, his family and friends, may you find solace in the cherished moments shared with Liam.

‘Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with you as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual who brought so much joy into our lives.’