down’ before his tragic death.

The former One Direction star fell from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires last month before medics confirmed his death.

And this week, Radio 2 presenter Jo, 59, has called for an end to ‘cruel’ reality TV series such as the X Factor while Little Mix star Perrie Edwards, 31, claimed under-18’s shouldn’t legally be able to join the music industry.

Jo said of Liam: ‘I feel like we all felt he’d been let down. Like, we all felt we’d let him down. We should always have been looking after the mental health of the musicians.’

The 31-year-old’s fatal fall from his hotel balcony last month prompted an outpouring of grief.

Jo Whiley believes the music industry must do more to protect vulnerable stars as she admitted ‘we all let Liam Payne down’ before his tragic death

The former One Direction star fell from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires last month before medics confirmed his death (pictured in 2019)

Liam was just 14-years-old when he first auditioned for the X Factor and two years later he was put into the boyband One Direction who became global stars.

Jo, who was hosting the Music Industry Trusts Award at London’s Grosvenor House, said there will always be children who want to become stars and audiences who will want to watch shows like the X Factor.

However, she slammed the show as ‘cruel’ and claimed they often put too much ‘pressure’ on people.

She said: ‘They’re so cruel, aren’t they? The pressure they put on people is just too, too much.’

Meanwhile, Perrie, who was placed in the band Little Mix on the X Factor, said she ‘wouldn’t be mad if it was law’ for under-18’s not to join the music industry.

The Tears hitmaker said: ‘I would just like a lot more in place for artists… not just artists, people around them, everybody on labels.’

‘I just wish there was a lot more accessible to them when it comes to looking after their welfare. Something needs to be done about it.’

The star also gave some advice to young artists who want to break out into the music business.

This week Jo, 59, called for an end to ‘cruel’ reality TV series such as the X Factor while Little Mix star Perrie Edwards, 31, claimed under-18’s shouldn’t be able to join the music industry

Jo said of Liam: ‘I feel like we all felt he’d been let down. Like, we all felt we’d let him down. We should always have been looking after the mental health of the musicians’ (pictured in March)

She said: ‘Try and keep very grounded. Keep people around you who you trust more than anything.’

‘Have an inner circle and keep that tight. Always aspire to be the best possible you. If that doesn’t work out, at least you know you did everything.’

Last month, music mogul Simon Cowell, 65, faced backlash over Liam’s death, with X Factor‘s Katie Waissel declaring ‘we all know the truth’ and Rebecca Ferguson criticising the ‘exploitation and profiteering of young stars’.

Katie, a 38-year-old singer-songwriter who auditioned alongside Liam on the 2010 series of X Factor, name-checked Simon in two statements in which she accused music bosses of focusing on ‘profits rather than people’.

Simon was a judge on X Factor and signed One Direction to his music label, Syco.

Katie first took to X last month to reveal her heartbreak at her friend’s death, writing: ‘My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words.’

‘If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all comes out.’

She later released a long statement in which she described Liam as ‘my confidant and my rock’, before turning her focus to her views on the state of the music industry.

‘Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul. His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,’ Katie wrote.

‘His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.’

‘There are those who had a responsibility to provide the care and support necessary for the well-being of young artists, but too often, the focus remained on profits rather than the people.’

Last month, music mogul Simon Cowell, 65, faced backlash over Liam’s death, with X Factor ‘s Katie Waissel, who auditioned alongside Payne on the 2010 series, declaring ‘we all know the truth’

Rebecca Ferguson, who also appeared on X Factor in 2010 alongside Liam and Katie, also criticised the ‘exploitation and profiteering of young stars’ (pictured in 2010)

‘This industry has treated talent like commodities, and the negligence of duty of care has once again led to a heart-wrenching loss. We need only look at Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett, where he admits his greatest regret was not owning the band’s name.’

‘The real regret should be the failure to prioritize the emotional and physical welfare of the artists who put their trust in these institutions. Contracts, whether they are for television shows or record deals, come with a legal and moral duty of care that must be upheld.’

Katie said her heart ‘breaks’ for Payne’s family and she felt ‘so deeply sorry for all that you went through’.

She added: ‘The change the industry so desperately needs will come, and we will honor your legacy until it does. Keep singing in the sky, my friend. With all my love, Katie.’

Rebecca Ferguson, who also appeared on X Factor in 2010 alongside Liam and Katie, has previously shared her views that the music industry is hiding ‘awful human rights abuses’ and claimed that she has endured ‘systematic misogyny and bullying’ throughout her career.

Last month the singer released her own tribute to Liam on X, writing: ‘It’s always a hotel room! We both met at Euston station and shared the taxi together to X factor, young, innocent and unaffected by fame.’

‘I can’t help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn’t jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today.’

‘I’ve spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects – many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).’

‘Many of us are devastated and reflective today as it has finally taken its first victim. Rest in Peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x.’