LIAM Payne’s pal who saw him just before his fatal balcony fall has made a bombshell claim around the the One Direction star’s death.
Argentinian businessman Roger Nores has insisted he had nothing to do with Liam’s tragic end despite cops reportedly leading a probe into him.
Nores said Liam was “playful, happy and fine” when he left him an hour before his Buenos Aires fall back in October.
He told TMZ: “He was in good spirits, he was talking to 10 or 15 Americans that were here for a wedding.
“He was perfectly balanced, talking to everybody, having fun, laughing, so nothing out of the ordinary. So that’s when I said, ‘bye’.
“He seemed playful and happy. I went to the hotel three times to check on him. He seemed tipsy but nothing out of the ordinary.”
Five suspects being investigated over the pop star’s death are set to learn early in the New Year if they will be prosecuted.
Judge Laura Bruniard has ten days to decide whether they should face criminal charges or if the cases against them should be closed.
Last week, two employees at the Buenos Aires hotel where the 31-year-old singer died joined three other men under official investigation.
The pair are said to have been questioned over Zoom in the presence of their defence lawyers.
Court quiz dates of the original three suspects, who include Liam’s alleged drug dealer Braian Nahuel Paiz, have not yet been made public.
By the time the judge makes her decision, she is expected to have received reports around the phones and computers used by the suspects and witnesses.
Around 22 examinations of different phones and computers confiscated from raids in the area are expected to be completed.
Witnesses include two female escorts Liam spent his last hours with before his drink and drug-fuelled balcony fall.
Bruniard is also hoping to have missing CCTV footage showing the moment the One Direction singer hit the restaurant terrace below his room.
The three other suspects include pal Nores and alleged drug dealer Paiz.
The third is former hotel worker Ezequiel David Pereyra.
Just before his untimely death, Liam and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy had travelled to Argentina to watch former bandmate Niall Horan in concert.
Kate had returned home early after feeling homesick, a few days before he plunged to his death.
The late singer’s grieving girlfriend later attended his funeral, alongside his former bandmates, Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson.
Payne’s ex Cheryl Cole, the mother of their seven-year-old son, Bear, was also in attendance, as well as music mogul, Simon Cowell, whose show the X Factor launched Liam into the stratosphere.
SHOCKED friends, family and fans have paid heartbreaking tributes to Liam as news of the singer's death circulated across the world.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning today.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show today and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
