Liam Payne will take part in a special augmented reality (AR) performance for EE ahead of this weekend’s British Academy Film Awards.

The AR experience will give fans in the UK a first look of Payne’s avatar before it features as a hologram during the singer kicks off this year’s EE BAFTAs.

The real-time AR experience, which has been created using EE’s award-winning 5G network, will be recorded live and beamed to fans in the UK on their mobile phones via the AR app The Round.

On the night, Payne’s body, facial movements, and live audio data will be transformed into 3D animations to create the immersive experience. For the first time ever, this data will be live-synced and transmitted in real-time for fans across the UK to experience the performance live through their mobile handset, whether they’re at home or on-the-go.

The avatar will then join the real Payne as a hologram on the stage of Royal Albert Hall.

Speaking about the performance, Payne said: “To be able to perform live via my very own Avatar blows my mind a little bit…! I’m really excited for everyone to see what we’ve been working on.

“The strides in tech at the minute are phenomenal and I can’t wait to see what we’ll be doing next. For now, this Sunday, you can take a first-look at my EE BAFTA performance, delivered by my real life Avatar live in your kitchen, bedroom, on the bus or at the park…see you there.”