Fans were visibly distraught last night when One Direction cancelled the first of their three sold-out Belfast SSE Arena shows due to Liam Payne suddenly falling ill. An announcement was made from the stage at 9.03pm, by which time all 11,000 seats had been occupied.
“The show tonight has been cancelled as Liam has taken ill, and whilst not serious, he is unable to perform tonight,” said Aiken Promotions in a statement. “Please hold on to your tickets. A further statement will be made in the morning. The band apologise to the fans and wish Liam better.”
The other band members took to Twitter to apologise directly for the cancellation.
“We're so so sorry for what happened tonight, it was out of our control!” messaged Louis Tomlinson. “Lots of love to Liam and thank you for being so understanding!”
Added Niall Horan: “So sorry we have had to cancel tonight guys. Unfortunately these things happen... Thank you to all who came down tonight!”
The word from Harry Styles was: “Deepest apologies to everyone at the show tonight in Belfast. Very disappointed, but unfortunately these things happen. We're very sorry.”
The decision to cancel was obviously last minute with support act Jamie Lawson getting to play and by default notching up his first arena headliner.
Impressed not one jot is BBC Northern Ireland TV and radio man Stephen Nolan.
"Louis was as fit as fiddle in Belfast at 5.30pm," he said last night. "Niall was supposed to be with him but I was told he was ill. Harry had a cast on his foot and I was told Niall was sick. Now Liam too!"
We'll keep you updated!