Rita Ora fights back tears as she pays emotional tribute to Liam Payne at MTV EMAs

Rita Ora delivered a heartfelt tribute to Liam Payne at the MTV Europe Music Awards, describing him as someone with "the biggest heart" who was always ready to lend a hand. The former One Direction member died last month at the age of 31 after falling from his hotel balcony in Argentina. Liam had been holidaying in the country and even attended his old friend Niall Horan's concert with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy.

His devastated friends, family and fans have shared their own emotional tributes on social media, reports the Mirror . At Sunday night's ceremony from Manchester, host Rita was unable to hold back tears as she honoured Liam. She told the audience: "He had the biggest heart, he was always the first person to offer help in any way that he could.



He brought so much joy into every room he entered." READ MORE: ITV Midsomer Murders star Neil Dudgeon speaks out over exit 'rumours' "And he left such a mark on this world," she added, prompting applause from the audience and encouraging everyone to "take a moment" to remember Liam. The crowd was then moved as One Direction's hit song Night Changes played.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, MTV EMA executive producer Bruce Gillmer revealed how they wanted to honour Liam too. He said: "Obviously, Liam was an artist that was incredibly close with our core audience and even with some of our staff and our host, Rita Ora. We have to be somewhat sensitive to the timing of it.

It's all very new. "So, we're not looking to do anything out-of-bounds. But, for sure, there'll be an acknowledgement of his passing.

It's appropriate given the connection to the audience and what he means to the brand." This year's EMAs came from Manchester for the first time in the event's 30-year history. Alongside host Rita, there were performances from Raye, Pet Shop Boys, Shawn Mendes, Benson Boone and Tyla.

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