Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger reportedly got in touch with Liam Payne's devastated family as they were unable to make his funeral

According to The Sun, the pair are among a series of "many" people who reached out to Liam's heartbroken family with words of comfort as their schedules stopped them coming to say goodbye to the star in person.

The publication said the are "understood to have been in contact with his family and sent flowers".

Robbie was a mentor to One Direction when the band competed on the 2010 run of Simon Cowell's 'X Factor' and continued a friendship with Liam and the band.

He said in his social tribute to the singer he was hit by "shock, sadness and confusion" over Liam's death.

Robbie added in a post about meeting 1D: "They were all cheeky and lovely. I enjoyed the light-hearted p***takery and thought about all the times I was that cheeky p***taker with the pop stars that had gone before me when I was in Take That.

"Our paths have crossed ever since that day and I'm fond of them all. Liam's trials and tribulations were very similar to mine, so it made sense to reach out and offer what I could. So I did."

Nicole - who texted Liam the day he died - said in an online tribute: "Dear Liam, I will forever cherish and treasure the time we shared together, from 15 years ago when One Direction was born, right up until just a few weeks ago.

"It was such a blessing to get to work with you recently.

"We shared the same love and passion for music and I will forever remember the meaningful and joyful conversations we had.

"It's been so hard to process that you're no longer here, but I am grateful to have known your kind heart, sweet soul and character.

"You brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the lives of those that truly knew you. I will 'miss you' my friend and carry you in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family."