The Netflix music competition show that Liam Payne was set to be a judge on will be moving forward despite his death, In Touch can exclusively report.
A high-level streaming insider tells In Touch that Liam was headed for a massive image makeover with the reality show Building The Band.
In August, it was announced that Liam was set to serve as a judge and mentor. His fellow judges were Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland.
AJ McLean from The Backstreet Boys was set as the host. A source tells In Touch that the series had begun production prior to Liam’s death. The insider said Liam will be replaced and the show will go on.
The source spilled, “The series had begun production but they had done so little with Liam thus far — because he was planned to be a more central player in later episodes of the show that hadn’t been filmed yet — that everybody involved is now saying he can be replaced with not a lot of delay.”
The insider added, “This show is still on track to being one of Netflix’s most high profile shows of next year, and Liam was poised to truly re-invent his image as he searches for the next pop supergroup in much the same fashion he and his One Direction bandmates were discovered.”
“It’s the kind of show that, in success, Liam could have been a part of for many years. Just because you’re dealing with young, aspiring singers, it was already a poignant journey for the talent involved, and Liam’s untimely passing takes things to a different level,” the source said.
As In Touch previously reported, Liam died on Wednesday, October 16, after jumping from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The source added that Netflix won’t rush to find a replacement. The insider told us, “In terms of finding a replacement, Netflix will take their time out of respect for Liam’s memory and loved ones before announcing who will be stepping in or if anything they shot with Liam can still be used on the final show.”
“The company also has to be careful that they don’t look like they’re cashing in on this tragedy in any way, and that can be a balancing act,” the source added. “Of course, fans of 1D are going to be talking about the idea of getting one of Liam’s own former bandmates in as his replacement, but Netflix isn’t anywhere near that decision yet. Liam’s death is very shocking and people who worked with him are still rattled by it.”
Following his death, Liam’s One Direction bandmates released a joint statement on the tragic situation.
Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik said, “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.”
They ended, “But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
