Louis Tomlinson wraps a protective arm around sister Lottie as 1D friends lend him some support as they celebrate his late mother’s life after X Factor performance

  • Grieving Louis Tomlinson, 24, performed on The X Factor final on Saturday night days after his mother's death
  • His mentor Simon Cowell praised his bravery, after which he fought back tears while the show's head honcho said: 'She's looking down on you tonight' 
  • The star took to Twitter after the show to thank his fans for their support before stating: 'Mum would have been so proud' 
  • Sources tell MailOnline Louis' One Direction bandmates Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Niall Horan jetted from around the world to be by his side 
  • Louis' midwife mother Johannah Deakin, 43, passed away on Wednesday after a battle with leukaemia 

He made an emotional return to the X Factor in London on Saturday night, singing his debut solo single just days after his mother passed away.

But while Louis Tomlinson may have been playing the pop star on the stage, afterwards he played the role of a devoted and caring big brother to sister, Lottie.

Heading to London's Cirque Le Soir to celebrate his late mother's life, accompanied by Liam Payne and Niall Horan, the singer, 24, wrapped a protective arm around his sibling as the pair left the venue.

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Supportive sibling: While Louis Tomlinson may have been playing the pop star on stage on Saturday night, after he played the role of a devoted and caring big brother to his sister Lottie

The two siblings headed to the opulent night-spot in the centre of the city after Louis took to the X Factor stage in an emotionally charged performance.

Just days after his mother, Johannah, passed away after a battle with leukaemia, Louise returned to the stage where his career began to launch his solo career.

Putting on a brave face following his appearance on the show, Louis, his sister, and friends headed out to celebrate his mother's life.

A source told MailOnline: ‘It was family and friends drinks in Cirque, all paid for by Johannah’s husband Dan.

‘It was a celebration of her life and his X Factor performance. It was a very emotional night.’ 

It's all about family:Heading to London's Cirque Le Soir to celebrate his late mother's life, the singer, 24, wrapped a protective arm around his sibling as the pair left the venue

There for him: Louis and Lottie were accompanied by his One Direction bandmates Liam Payne and Niall Horan

Emerging from the club after several hours inside, Louis was seen supporting his younger sister, Lottie, 18 - keeping his arm wrapped firmly around her in a tender yet protective manner. 

Louis himself seemed to be putting on a brave face, as the father-of-one wore a slight hint of a smile on his features.

Wearing the same outfit he'd sported earlier on in the evening on the X Factor, the star looked slightly more disheveled with his hair swept abruptly to one side.

As she was accompanied out of the club by her older brother, Lottie covered her face with a hand and kept her other firmly fastened around her famous sibling. 

Just hold on:  As she was accompanied out of the club by her older brother, Lottie covered her face with a hand and kept her other firmly fastened around her famous sibling

Lean on me: A source told MailOnline: ‘It was family and friends drinks in Cirque, all paid for by Johannah’s husband Dan. It was a celebration of her life and his X Factor performance'

The ties that bind: Louis and Lottie were inseparable as they made their way along the street with their group of friends

Emotionally charged: The atmosphere was emotionally charged on the night

Easy there: Louis' emotions looked to be running high at one point

What are friends for? Louis and his sister were leant some further support on the night by his BFF, Liam, who also spent a number of hours inside the club with his bandmate and friend

Keep on smiling: Liam went for an all-black ensemble, and did his best to remain up-beat despite the heart-breaking situation

More support: Nial also made sure he was on hand to give Louis some support

Louis and his sister were leant some further support on the night by his BFF, Liam, who also spent a number of hours inside the club with his bandmate and friend. 

Earlier on in the night, the Doncaster-born star had been given the full support of his fellow 1D members, as they attended the X Factor to show their solidarity with the star following his mother Johannah's death on Wednesday. 

Sources revealed to MailOnline that Liam, Harry Styles and Niall Horan headed to the London show to back the star following the tragic news of his mother's passing. 

The X Factor alumnus appeared on the show to perform his debut hit Just Hold On with Steve Aoki, after which he was reunited with his best pals and bandmates. 

More support: X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger was also out to help give Louis some support on the night

Out and about: Also out at the venue was Louisa Johnson and her boyfriend Daniel Elliott

Hold on: The love-birds looked inseparable as they held hands

Pals: Louis Tomlinson's One Direction bandmates attended the X Factor final on Saturday to support the star following his mother Johannah's death on Wednesday 

All together now: Sources reveal to MailOnline that Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Niall Horan headed to the London show to back the star following his tragic news

The group reunited on the show which made them famous six years before, as they rushed to throw their support behind their pal. 

Sources told MailOnline: 'Harry, Niall and Liam all came down to X factor to support Louis. They all were backstage with him supporting him. It was a lovely moment - and shows the unity of 1D. First time all back together in a year. 

'It was a lovely touching moment backstage and they all came to support Louis during a horrible time. Niall even flew back from New York.'

The group have not been together as a group for a year, with Louis' tragedy marking their first reunion.

While none of the boys were pictured together, I'm A Celebrity star and field hockey player Sam Quek shared a backstage snap with Harry on her Twitter account. 

Tough: The 24-year-old boybander appeared on the show to perform his debut hit Just Hold On with Steve Aoki, after which he was reunited with his beat pals and bandmates

Happier than ever: While none of the boys were pictured together, I'm A Celebrity star and field hockey player Sam Quek shared a backstage snap with Harry on her Twitter account

Louis' midwife mother Johannah, 43, passed away on Wednesday morning after a battle with leukaemia, it was confirmed in a statement to MailOnline. 

Louis gave an energetic performance as he ran around the stage, after which the judges gave a standing ovation to Louis, who looked pensive as he hugged Steve following the performance.

In a touching tribute, Simon said: 'Louis, I have to say I've known you for six years. The bravery of what you've done. I respect you as an artist, as a person and your mum was so proud of you and she was so excited for the performance. She's looking down on you tonight.'

Hours before Saturday night's show Louis spoke publicly for the first time since his mother passed away, when he took to Twitter on Saturday to thank his fans for their support as he encouraged them to tune into his first solo performance.

Bravery: The tragic news was announced on Friday, shortly before the One Direction star appeared on the show which made him famous six years before

Proud: In a touching tribute, Simon said: 'Louis, I have to say I've known you for six years. The bravery of what you've done. I respect you as an artist, as a person and your mum was so proud of you and she was so excited for the performance. She's looking down on you tonight'

Addressing his 25.3 million followers, he wrote: 'All the support has been incredible! Let's do this together tonight.'  

The performance was previously scheduled, with Johannah said to be looking forward to seeing her son back on the stage where he first shot to fame. 

As well as One Direction star Louis, 24, Johannah leaves behind six other children, Lottie, 18, Felicite, 16, twins Daisy and Phoebe, both 12, and twins Ernest and Doris, both aged two, who she gave birth to prematurely in 2014. She was also grandmother to Louis' ten-month-old son Freddie.

A great friend: Simon praised Steve for his amazing friendship to the grieving star 

Belting it out: Louis gave his very best for the performance which many lauded as incredibly brave

Strong: The emotion was clear to see on the singer's face as he performed the new dance track for the crowd

Heartbreaking: The performance was previously scheduled, with Johannah said to be looking forward to seeing her son back on the stage where he first shot to fame

Louis' performance comes after his ex-girlfriend, and the mother of his son, Briana Jungwirth paid tribute to his mother.

The 24-year-old stylist - who raises 11-month-old Freddie with the singer - took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message on Saturday after the One Direction star's mother lost her secret battle with leukaemia.

She wrote: 'My heart aches. Every time I look at Freddie, I see you in him Jay. I will always remember the times we shared and the talks we had. I looked up to you and sadly only knowing you for a short time, I aspired to be just like you in a mother to Freddie. 

Giving his all: Louis put on an incredible performance in what was undoubtedly one of the hardest times of his life 

Taking the stage: Louis performed Just Hold On, his new track with Steve Aoki

The tributes for Louis's mother continued as his former One Direction band mate Niall Horan shared an emotional tribute on Twitter to his 28 million followers.

'Very sad news . Louis I love you mate and I'm / all of us are here for you all the way . You're mum was an incredible person,' he shared. 'Thinking of you and your family .love from my family to yours..'.

Meanwhile, Cheryl has reached out to Louis Tomlinson with a touching message following his mother death.

Taking to Twitter on Friday after the news was released, the pop star - who is expecting a baby with Louis' One Direction bandmate - wrote: 'My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones at this incredibly tragic time.' 

Devastating: The tributes for Louis's mother continued as his former One Direction band mate Niall Horan shared an emotional tribute on Twitter to his 28 million followers

Sending his thoughts: Louis offered a prayer to the sky 

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