Louis Tomlinson's debut single tops UK iTunes chart after emotional X Factor performance,as singer grieves the death of his mother Johannah

Louis Tomlinson’s debut single has topped the UK iTunes chart following his emotional performance on Saturday evening’s edition of The X Factor.

The One Direction star, 24, has collaborated with electro-house producer Steve Aoki on dance track Just Hold On – his first musical offering since the boy-band announced their temporary hiatus last November.

The pair have since topped the iTunes chart, with fans rushing to download the song after their moving live performance, a tribute to Louis' mother Johannah Deakin, who lost her battle with leukemia on Wednesday morning, aged 42.

After hearing the news Steve, 39, shared a picture of the UK iTunes charts on his Snapchat account, writing: ‘Wow thank u. Number 1!!! (sic)." He also included an emoji of the British flag.

The track pushed Louis' former bandmate Zayn Malik's collaboration with Taylor Swift, I Don't Wanna Live Forever, into the number two spot.

The single now tops iTunes in 29 countries and has entered the Top 5 in 67 countries in total.

News of Johannah's death was announced on Friday, shortly before the One Direction star appeared on the show which made him famous in 2010.

Performing his new track with Steve the star fought back tears before thanking his fans on Twitter for their outpouring of support.

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.'

Following the performance, Louis took to Twitter to thank his millions of fans for their outpouring of support, writing: 'Feeling so much love around me and my family. Mum would have been so f**ing proud ( sorry for swearing mum ) love you !...

'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 also thanked his collaborator Steve, writing: 'Also @steveaoki , you have been such a rock and inspiration throughout this ! Pure talent and a real gent !'

Louis' One Direction bandmates attended the X Factor final, as 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, as they rushed to throw their support behind their pal.

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.

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 Louis, 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.

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.

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.'