Fans of One Direction were thrilled to see the late Liam Payne featured in the newly released trailer for Netflix’s Building the Band on Tuesday, June 24. Following its debut, Payne’s sister, Ruth Gibbins, offered her reaction to the upcoming series.
Through an Instagram Stories post that same day, Gibbins shared the trailer and reflected on her emotional response. “I didn’t know whether to share this but it felt weird when I’ve raved about Liam’s work and achievements for the last 15 years,” she wrote. “Im heartbroken he never got to see how great he is in this show. He knew he had done a good job, we all told him this when we were at filming, but watching it back, wow!”
She added a heartfelt message about her brother. “You’re a star Liam, you always were and always will be,” she wrote. “There are a range of emotions I felt watching this, but one of the main ones ins immeasurable pride, always. Miss you more every day.”
In the preview for the reality competition, Payne can be seen guiding participants who must form bands without initially seeing each other. “You have a lot of work to do, vocally,” he tells one group. “I need to feel that connection between you guys.”
Filming concluded two months before Payne’s death in October. With his family’s approval, Netflix confirmed in January that the show would still be released and that Payne’s relatives were “supportive of his inclusion” in the final series.
Watch the full trailer for Netflix’s Building the Band below:
