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LIAM Payne’s close friend and hairdresser Luke Benson has opened up about the star’s troubles off stage.

Luke described his pal as “so ill in ways he couldn’t beat” and went on to suggest that living life in the spotlight was one of the main factors in his battles.

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Luke Benson described how his friend Liam was 'so ill in ways he couldn’t beat'
(FILES) British singer-songwriter Liam Payne poses on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2019 in London on February 20, 2019. The Argentine justice system indicted the five people charged in the investigation into the death of British musician Liam Payne in October 2024 and ordered the preventive detention of two of them, the prosecutor's office announced on December 30 in a press release. (Photo by Tolga AKMEN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE NO POSTERS NO MERCHANDISE NO USE IN PUBLICATIONS DEVOTED TO ARTISTS (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images)
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One Direction star Liam passed away in OctoberCredit: Getty

Luke, who was seen as part of the 1D singer’s support network, paid tribute on social media alongside a series of snaps of Liam Payne.

He wrote: “I can’t believe it. Thank you for the best times.

“Some of us were lucky enough to see the best version of you.

"I’m so sorry. You didn’t choose this side of fame.

READ MORE ON LIAM TRAGEDY

"Please no one comment on or guess what happened without knowing. Be kind.

“He was so kind. But he was so ill in ways he couldn’t beat, leading to some things he shouldn’t have done.

“Misguided and too trusting. Remember he was a son, dad and friend to many.”

During his career, Liam has made no secret of his battle with addiction.

Following a stint in hospital, Liam took to YouTube to hold his hands up for his mistakes and thank those who had stood by him.

The star said: “I’ve definitely made a lot of mistakes and out of five of us somebody had to and unfortunately that landed on me.

Brave Liam Payne admits ‘I don’t know if I’ve hit rock bottom yet’ as heartbreaking clip resurfaces after hotel tragedy

“I would like to say thank you to the rest of the boys for standing by me because not once did anybody ever say anything negative.

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