Liam Payne’s sister, Ruth Gibbins, has shared an emotional response to the trailer for Building the Band, the Netflix music competition series that features one of Payne’s final on-camera appearances.
In statements reported by major entertainment outlets, she said she felt “heartbroken” watching the preview, while also expressing pride in how her brother comes across in the show and calling him “a star.”
Payne passed away in October 2024 at age 31. The series was filmed before his passing, making the trailer a particularly difficult moment for his family as his work reaches audiences after he’s gone.
What Ruth Gibbins said about seeing her brother on screen
Gibbins’ reaction was described as a mix of grief and admiration. She wrote that it was painful to realize her brother never got to see the finished version of the series, but that watching the footage also made her proud of the person and performer he was. She emphasized that the trailer shows him at his best—engaged, warm, and fully present in the role.
What Building the Band is, and Payne’s role in it
Building the Band is a group-formation music competition built around a “sight unseen” concept: singers form bands based on voice, musical fit, and chemistry before they ever meet face-to-face. The show is hosted by AJ McLean, with Nicole Scherzinger featured in a central mentor/judge role. Liam Payne appears as a guest judge, alongside Kelly Rowland.
That format places the focus on vocals and collaboration first, which is part of why the trailer highlights feedback, coaching moments, and the emotional stakes of performers trying to find the right group dynamic.
How Netflix handled Payne’s posthumous appearance
Coverage of the trailer noted that Payne’s participation moved forward with the support of his family. Reports also indicated that his representation in the series was reviewed with care, reflecting the sensitivity around releasing new footage after his passing.
Release timing
Netflix’s rollout plan for the season was described as a multi-part release schedule, with episodes dropping across multiple weeks rather than all at once.
For viewers, the trailer functions as both a series preview and a reminder of Payne’s continued presence through his work—something his sister made clear is both difficult to watch and meaningful to share.
