Diver Tom Daley has revealed that his friendship with One Direction's Liam Payne stemmed from receiving Twitter hate.

The Team GB star was subject to online abuse earlier this year as his public profile increased following his appearance at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Talking to the Daily Star, Daley said that he became friends with Liam Payne after the incident as the 'Kiss You' star comforted the diver. He said:

"I'm really good mates with Liam - we actually became mates after the Twitter thing when that guy gave me abuse. He called me up and told me not to let it bother me, which was really supportive of him."

Daley added: "Since then we've become close mates and usually on a typical boys' night, you'll find him and me down at Funky Buddha having a few drinks and a dance. Either that or we'll go for a Chinese or a Wagamama."