BGT auditions postponed after Liam Payne's death

Auditions for the next series of Britain's Got Talent (BGT) have been cancelled following the death of former X Factor contestant and One Direction star Liam Payne.

A statement posted on social media said the auditions in Blackpool had been halted.

"Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, BGT has decided to postpone today's auditions in Blackpool," Applause Store said on Instagram.

BGT presenters Ant and Dec were seen leaving The Grand Hotel in Lytham earlier after the postponement had been announced.

It added: "We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."

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

Hundreds of people have been queueing outside Blackpool Winter Gardens this week to be part of the audience for the auditions.

One Direction came third in the ITV talent show X Factor in 2010 and went onto to achieve global stardom.

Both X Factor and BGT feature Simon Cowell as a judge. He was actively involved in the creation and production of both shows.