Louis Tomlinson pays tribute to his late mother in X Factor performance

Louis Tomlinson performs his new single on The X Factor days after losing his mother

Louis Tomlinson has said singing on The X Factor days after the death of his mother was "harder than I ever imagined".

The One Direction star said she would have been proud to see him perform his new single, Just Hold On, on Saturday night's show.

Johannah Deakin died on Wednesday at the age of 43 after a battle with leukaemia.

Louis, 24, thanked his fans for their support on Twitter.

X Factor posted a photo of Louis Tomlinson performing on the show on Twitter.

He said: "That was harder than I ever imagined. I want to thank everyone around me and all of the amazing fans out there that made that so special."

He added: "Feeling so much love around me and my family. Mum would have been so proud. love you!"

Louis also said thanks to Steve Aoki, the US DJ he collaborated with for his latest record.

"Also @steveaoki , you have been such a rock and inspiration throughout this ! Pure talent and a real gent !"

After receiving a standing ovation from the judges, Louis fought back tears as Simon Cowell, who manages One Direction, congratulated him for his performance.

He said: "I've known you now for six years. What you've just done, the bravery you've shown, I respect you as an artist, I respect you as a person.

Family handout

Louis Tomlinson pictured with his step-dad Dan Deakin and late mother, Johannah

"Your mum was so proud of you, she was so looking forward to tonight and she's looking down on you now. Steve, you're a great friend to him."

Louis blew a kiss up to the ceiling as he listened to Simon Cowell's tribute.

Meanwhile #LouisIs trended for most of Sunday after his touching performance on Saturday night.

This one said: "#LouisIs is biggest inspiration in my life who i'm super happy to call my sunshine and idol, love you forever and always lou 💕"

Ell thinks he has a heart of gold.

This tweet called him strong and brave.

Another Twitter user said Louis was everything they aspired to in life.

Craig says he's not a fan of Louis' music but that this was an amazing to do.

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