Liam Payne's sister still finds it "incredibly hard" to process his death

Sharing photos of Liam on TV, Nicola wrote on Instagram on Thursday (16.07.25): "9 months ago today, our lives changed forever. I still find it incredibly hard to process what happened. I'm not sure I ever fully will, or even want to.

"Liam, you are the most incredible person. For those of us lucky enough to know and love you, our lives were truly blessed.(sic)"

Nicola believes Building the Band - on which Liam was a guest judge - showed her brother at his best and it will always "hold a special place in [her] heart" because filming was one of the last times she saw the Strip That Down hitmaker.

She continued: "Today, the world gets to see just a glimpse of your passion and talent and wow, you are amazing in this show.

"You cared so deeply about the people around you. You wanted to make a difference, and you are lighting up that stage like you were born to do.

"You were made to be a judge, to guide, to encourage, and to let your voice be heard. Watching you in this show, I've never been more proud.

"I just wish you got to see it. It's everything we knew it would be when we were at filming.

"This show will forever hold a special place in my heart because it's one of the last times I saw you, and I got to witness you shine so bloody brightly, but it's also allowed me to still feel close to you.

"I love you so much, and I miss you even more. I hate that this happened."

Building The Band host AJ McClean paid a poignant tribute to Liam at the beginning of the first episode.

He said: "When we came together to film Building the Band, we never imagined we'd soon be saying goodbye to our friend, Liam Payne.

"Liam is a guest judge in later episodes and, through his presence, we see his deep love for music and his unwavering commitment to helping others find their voice. It's through that spirit that we dedicate this series to Liam and his family."