Liam Payne was 'set to judge new Netflix talent show' before tragic death

was poised to join the judging panel of Netflix's forthcoming talent show, Building The Band, which promised the birth of a new pop sensation.

In this innovative format, the new music group wouldn't meet until their ultimate unveiling. Alongside Liam, powerhouses Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child fame, and AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys were set to impart their wisdom, with AJ also hosting duties.

Netflix declared: "As former members of The Pussycat Dolls, Destiny's Child, One Direction, and the Backstreet Boys, respectively, these hitmakers will bring their unparalleled expertise and years of personal experience to the competition."

The production wheels were already turning as key personalities were spotted in Manchester prepping for shoots at the city's gleaming new £240m Aviva Studios. Liam was spied at Manchester's chic eatery Sexy Fish with his influencer girlfriend Kate Cassidy.

Yet it remains uncertain if the curtain will indeed rise on the show, as Netflix is holding cards close regarding its launch.

The Express has reached out to the streaming giant for comment.

Netflix has spilled the beans on their upcoming show, teasing: "When it comes to love, meeting face-to-face is clearly overrated. But what about music? The upcoming series, currently titled Building the Band, will attempt to answer this question by forming the next great music group without any of the members ever seeing each other. Fifty talented singers will enter the competition for the opportunity of a lifetime: to find their perfect bandmates solely based on musical compatibility, connection, and, most importantly, merit."

"They'll be in complete control every step of the way, but is chemistry enough to make them a success? And when the bands finally do meet, how will looks, choreography, and style come into play? Expect plenty of drama, next-level artistry, and unforgettable performances."

This would have been a thrilling chapter for Liam, who would have had the chance to work with Nicole - one of the judges alongside Simon Cowell during One Direction's formation on The X Factor.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, one of Liam's former 1D comrades shared a poignant homage to him, following his tragic demise after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Argentina.

Louis Tomlinson disclosed that he and Liam had been plotting a comeback with new tunes.

Louis Tomlinson hailed Liam as one of his best friends and a "most vital part of One Direction" in an emotional tribute.

He shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo of the two, saying: "Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band."

He went on to express his regret at not being able to perform together again: "I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn't to be," before lamenting the missed chance for a final farewell and to tell him he loved him.