Liam Payne misses awards ceremony

Pop star Liam Payne was left "gutted" after missing an awards ceremony hosted by British gay lifestyle magazine Attitude.

The One Direction singer was expected to attend the party at London's Banqueting House venue on Wednesday (14Oct15) to collect an award for Sexiest Man of the Year.

However, he pulled out on the night of the awards show due to feeling unwell, according to editors at British newspaper The Sun.

Liam did not explain the reason for his absence, but he wrote on Twitter.com, "Gutted I can't make the @AttitudeMag awards tonight as I'm sure it's going to be an amazing evening."

The Steal My Girl singer's no-show was particularly unexpected as he was the magazine's October (15) cover star as well as winning the sexiest man award.

His planned appearance at the ceremony came after a homophobia controversy erupted around the One Direction star earlier this year (Aug15) when he responded to criticism on social media that he'd made comments on stage which could be offensive to gay fans.

Liam commented on the claims on Twitter, writing, "I am in no way shape or form homophobic that's a ridicules (sic) thing to say and I'm not here to offend people so take it as you will."

Despite Liam's absence the awards bash was well attended by gay stars including Sir Ian McKellen and Boy George.

The big winners at the ceremony, hosted by Scissor Sisters singer Ana Matronic, included electronica trio Years & Years, fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, Jess Glynne, Adam Lambert, Frankie Goes To Hollywood singer Holly Johnson, and John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono, who picked up the Icon Award for Outstanding Achievement.