Cheryl’s dilemma over shock wedding proposal

While Liam Payne and model Maya Henry are excited to finally set a date for their wedding, his ex Cheryl has mixed feelings about their big day

Cheryl

by Closer staff |
Updated on

Confirming her engagement to Liam Payne is well and truly back on, Texan-born model Maya Henry looked thrilled as she flashed her £3 million ring while out and about in Los Angeles last week.

And insiders say the 22-year-old billionairess used her trip to California – where she owns a home and lives part-time – to scout venues for her upcoming wedding to the former 1D star, 28 – which Cheryl has already been invited to.

A source says, “Maya and Liam both love LA and Liam has missed it since selling his home there last year.

liam payne maya henry
she and Liam are expected to have a lavish wedding ©Getty Images

“They’d been toying with the idea of getting married in the South of France, but with most of Maya’s loved ones being Stateside and their connections to LA, they’ve decided on a beach wedding up the coast in Malibu or Santa Barbara – with Maya spending time looking at potential venues during her recent trip.

“She FaceTimed Liam, who was working in the UK, so he could get an idea of the spots she loved, and they’ve narrowed it down to two, which they’ll choose from together. She is really excited, both are available for the dates she wants in the summer, which she has reserved.

“Of course Liam – who tells Cheryl everything – immediately asked her to the wedding, which she still has strong reservations about.”

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cheryl and bear
Cheryl with son Bear ©Instagram / cheryl

Maya’s LA trip comes just weeks after spending a cosy Christmas in the UK with her fiancé and his four-year-old son, Bear, who she shares with his ex, Cheryl, 38.

The couple have seemingly gone from strength-to-strength since rekindling their two-and-a-half year romance following a brief split last summer amid a series of loved-up displays and gushing Instagram posts.

And pals say Cheryl – who split from Liam in July 2018 and was pictured looking downcast as she walked her dog near her home in Hertfordshire last week – is struggling to come to terms with Liam’s “shock” news.

Check out: a look back at Liam Payne and Cheryl's relationship from the very beginning

Gallery

Cheryl and Liam Payne: Their love story from the start - SLIDER

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CREDIT: Shutterstock

Liam Payne Cheryl Tweedy

A look back at Cheryl and Liam's relationship from his solo X Factor audition in 2008 to their split in 2018...

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CREDIT: ITV

Liam and Cheryl on the X Factor

The pair originally met back in 2008 when Liam first auditioned for the X Factor. Cheryl was a definitely fan of his talent and during the audition she said: "I like you, I think you're really cute. I think you've got charisma and you give us that little cheeky wink."Unfortunately, Liam didn't make it past the judges houses in 2008 but he later auditioned for the show AGAIN in 2010...

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CREDIT: ITV

Liam and Cheryl meet AGAIN in 2010

On his second appearance all the judges LOVED him, and Cheryl commented: "You've definitely got it, whatever it is you've got it. And I thought your voice was really, really powerful."At the bootcamp stage Liam joined forces with four other boys - Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson - and One Direction was created.During one week at the live performances Simon was ill and the boy band were mentored by Cheryl instead. When they were asked how they felt about their new mentor Liam revealed they found it difficult to concentrate.Well, she is gorgeous Liam.

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl nominates Liam for the ALS Ice Bucket challenge

Strangely enough, years before Cheryl and Liam started dating she nominated him for the ice bucket challenge on Instagram!

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CREDIT: Getty Images

Liam Payne and Sophia Smith's relationship

Before Cheryl and Liam's relationship began, Liam was in a relationship with Sophia Smith - a girl he had met at school - however in October 2015 the pair split after two years of dating.

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CREDIT: Getty Images

Cheryl and Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini's marriage

Meanwhile, Cheryl had already surprised the world when she revealed that she had secretly married Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, but it wasn't to last. The pair split after 18 months together and Cheryl filed for divorce for 'unreasonable behaviour.'

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CREDIT: Instagram / liampayne

Cheryl and Liam's relationship begins

December 2015There were rumours that the pair first felt a spark during the X Factor final in 2015 which was also One Direction's last performance together. Apparently eyewitnesses saw the pair flirting shamelessly.14 FebruaryOn Valentine's day Liam uploaded a photo of a rose with the caption: "Happy Valentine's Day baby…"(Remember: Chezza has that huge rose tattoo on her bum)

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Chezza's Brit Awards selfie

24 FebruaryA couple of weeks later Cheryl uploaded a photo with the caption: "Practicing my snap #BRITs"And Liam commented: "See you there babe"People began wondering if the pair were an item or not.

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CREDIT: Twitter / je_baker

The couple take a trip to Tesco

27 FebruaryLiam and Cheryl were spotted shopping in Tesco's in Guildford and the person who took the photo wrote: "It was definitely Cheryl and Liam but unfortunately I didn't get a picture."They were in my local Tesco in Guildford at midnight."

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CREDIT: Instagram / liampayne

Liam kind of makes it Instagram official

28 FebruaryLiam and Cheryl confirmed their relationship with the singer updating his Instagram photo to a picture of the pair looking loved up and wrote in his bio 'Happy'.Liam deleted all pictures of his ex-girlfriend Sophia and unfollowed her on Instagram. Awkward.

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl hits back at the haters

29 FebruaryCheryl hit back at her online trolls by changing her Instagram bio to: "When people hate on you, it's because you've got something they want. All love… good vibes only"Although she later deleted the first bit and left it as "All love… good vibes only."

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

They FINALLY make their relationship Instagram official

March 3The pair then teased the world with pictures of each; Cheryl uploaded a selfie featuring Liam's arm and the One Direction star uploaded a photo of the pair posing for a photo – awwww these two!

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl and Liam age gap

March 5After teasing the world with their relationship, the happy couple, who have a ten-years age gap, were spotted for the first time in public since they confirmed their relationship at a casino in Mayfair.

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CREDIT: Instagram / liampayne

Cheryl Tweedy Liam Payne

March 8A source told Closer magazine: "Cheryl fell for Liam extremely fast – she didn't think it was possible to fall in love so quickly after her whirlwind romance with JB, but she's fallen even faster this time."Once their relationship took off, they were saying 'I love you' within a few weeks."

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CREDIT: Getty Images

Cheryl Tweedy Liam Payne

March 9Cheryl and Liam were spotted holding hands leaving Salmontini restaurant in London.

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl Tweedy

Cheryl defends her relationship in an emotional Instagram post. The picture she uploaded read: "Girls compete with each other. Women empower one another"She captioned the photo: "It can be so hard at times being a girl for sooo many reasons! But we don't have to make it harder for each other…"Why do we still feel the need to do that?? I don't understand it. I have always been a girls girl, and love other strong women."She continued: "That is why I surround myself with them, and that is why I try to empower others. Trying to pull another person down, only speaks volumes about your character!"And not a thing about theirs… There's nothing more powerful or beautiful than an inspiring, strong women that can look up to or turn to… Be one!!!"

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl and Liam's FIRST Easter together

Cheryl posted a photo of Liam carrying a BUNCH of Easter eggs on Instagram.

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Simon Cowell speaks out about Cheryl and Liam's relationship

April 3Simon Cowell spoke about Liam and Cheryl's relationship. The X Factor boss revealed: "I saw them together and we had a really nice dinner."They were on good form. They're like two little chipmunks madly in love."Literally, they were so cute."How adorable!

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

It doesn't look like Cheryl and Liam's dogs are getting along...

In April Liam posted a video on Instagram of himself and Cheryl training his dog and although the puppy doesn't listen to Liam he does listen to Cheryl's commands.

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CREDIT: Getty Images

Cheryl Liam Payne

April 12Liam and Cheryl were spotted again looking VERY cute at the London restaurant Sexy Fish.

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CREDIT: Getty Images

Cheryl Liam Payne

May 9Liam and Cheryl had their first red carpet moment together at the Global Gift Gala in Paris. After this event rumours started as to whether Cheryl was pregnant after people noticed a tiny 'bump'.

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CREDIT: Getty Images

Cheryl Liam Payne

May 12A few days later the happy couple appeared together on the red carpet at the 69th Cannes Film Festival.

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CREDIT: Shutterstock / Rex

Cheryl on Liam Payne: "He will be the perfect dad!

May 17A source told Closer magazine: "When friends have quizzed her [Cheryl] about what's happening with Liam she's been saying she's letting it all happen naturally – and that Liam will be the perfect dad!"

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CREDIT: Instagram / liampayne

Cheryl Liam Payne

June 11Liam and Cheryl attend his sister Ruth's wedding as a couple and looked VERY stylish.

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CREDIT: Twitter / ruthpayne0990

Liam Payne's sister defends Chezza

June 19Liam's sister defended her own wedding dress and Cheryl's outfit after seeing negative articles online. On Twitter she wrote: "I loved my wedding dress, I felt like a princess, I also lost 3st to feel as beautiful as I did in it, that was hard work when I'm a naturally chunky girl, not everyone needs to be a size 10 to get married."I also had no say over my wedding, I don't know who does have a say but considering my brother's girlfriend is one of the most beautiful women in the world she can wear anything and still look stunning as she did at my wedding."

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl Liam Payne

June 19Pregnancy rumours started to pick up after a source told The Sun: "It's very serious now between Cheryl and Liam and they have been talking among close friends about starting a family."

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Liam Payne

July 9Cheryl revealed on Instagram that the pair have bought an adorable puppy together. She uploaded a snap of Liam and the new miniature dog with the caption: "Our new family member he is beyond cute… The dog is adorable too."Cheeky!

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl Simon Cowell

July 30Simon Cowell admitted that Cheryl would be an amazing mum. Although he didn't confirm or deny whether Cheryl is pregnant Simon did tell the Mirror: "Cheryl would be an amazing mum. I have seen her with my son Eric and other kids over the years and she is incredible."Cute!

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CREDIT: Twitter / liampayne

Liam Payne

September 15Liam changed his Twitter bio to read: "Luckiest man in the world" which fuelled any pregnancy rumours further.

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CREDIT: Instagram / liampayne

Liam Payne Cheryl

September 21Liam shared a cute photo of the pair wearing face masks. He captioned the photo: "I miss you! The things you make me do. Home soon!"How adorable are they?

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl's mum Joan

September 25Cheryl's mum was pictured buying a pregnancy pillow in Mothercare and after this photo surfaced the pregnancy rumours were at an all-time high.

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl

October 3After being fairly absent from social media Cheryl uploaded a stunning selfie on Instagram with a butterfly filter.

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CREDIT: Shutterstock / Rex

Cheryl divorces her ex-husband

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl

October 27Cheryl had a perfume signing for her fans. Chezza sat behind her desk during her perfume signing but was still happy to take pictures with fans.

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CREDIT: BBC

Cheryl

November 2It was revealed that Cheryl was the new face of Childline and after being absent from the television she appeared on The One Show but pregnancy rumours were not mentioned.

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CREDIT: Getty Images

Cheryl FINALLY shows off her baby bump

November 29Cheryl and Liam stepped out and attended the Fayre of St James Christmas Carol Concert in London and everyone finally got to see Cheryl's growing 'baby bump'. Congratulations guys!

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CREDIT: Twitter / ruthpayne0990

Liam's sister speaks out AGAIN about the happy couple

December 1After Cheryl showed off her baby bump rumours of her pregnancy were sent into overdrive. Liam's sister spoke out about the news and said on Twitter: "Bump or no bump, announced or not, it's completely up to my brother and Cheryl what parts of their private lives they choose to share and when"

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CREDIT: Instagram / liampayne

Liam follows Cheryl on Instagram

December 5The former One Direction member took their relationship one step further and followed Chezza on Instagram. Before, Liam only followed his ex-girlfriend Sophia Smith but when the pair split up he unfollowed her and followed no one else on the social media site.With over 16 million followers on Instagram Liam now only follows Cheryl - this must be love, right?

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CREDIT: Getty Images

Wedding bells for Liam and Cheryl?

December 8There were rumours that Liam was planning to propose to Cheryl after she's given birth. According to the Daily Star a friend of the couple told the publication the One Direction star got inspiration from Kimberley Walsh and Justin Scott. They said: "It's given Liam so many ideas. There will definitely be wedding bells sooner than we expected."Eek!

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CREDIT: Twitter / liampayne

Liam Payne SLAMS Louis Walsh

December 9After Louis Walsh was asked how he'd feel if Simon Cowell brought Cheryl back to the X Factor judging panel he told Huffington Post: "Well Simon wouldn't invite Cheryl back because we have Nicole."We have Nicole [Scherzinger] and Sharon [Osbourne], we don't need another girl. So go and f—k off now!"No silly questions, seriously… It's not about Cheryl. Don't be stupid, man."Things didn't end there though because Liam soon took to Twitter to defend his girlfriend and hit back at Louis.

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CREDIT: Twitter / cherylofficial

Cheryl

Cheryl simply replied to Liam's tweet saying: "Oh..."Yes Liam! Sticking up for the lady in your life.

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CREDIT: Closer Online

Cheryl Liam Payne baby lookalike

December 12Closer Online unveiled a picture of what Liam and Cheryl's baby could look like.

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl Liam Payne

December 20During the run up to Christmas the couple posted funny festive cards on social media. How cute are they as a couple.

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Liam Payne Cheryl

December 25On Christmas Day Cheryl uploaded an ADORABLE photo of herself and Liam using the elf Snapchat filter. She wrote on Instagram: "Merry Christmas from our families to yours. Hope you've had a great day."Cute!

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CREDIT: Instagram / wendyiles_hair

Cheryl

January 18The world was sent into frenzy after Cheryl's hairdresser Wendy Iles posted a video of Chezza on a shoot featuring a rare glimpse of her 'baby bump'.

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CREDIT: Twitter / cheriamnews

Cheryl Liam Payne

January 29People began to wonder whether Liam had a tattoo dedicated to Cheryl after fans noticed he had a new tat on his arm of an eye that resembles Cheryl's. A fan wrote on Twitter: "First he brought the sparkle back to her eyes, then he got it tattooed."

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CREDIT: Instagram / marianovivanco

Cheryl

February 3Shortly after Beyonce announced she's expecting twins, rumour's began to swirl that Cheryl was going to pose for a 'pregnancy' photoshoot. Mariano Vivanco posted a cyrptic picture on his Instagram story before quickly deleting it, but it read: "My Devine @cherylofficial..."

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl

February 23Just a month before welcoming her little one, Chez proudly cradled her baby bump as part of a powerful campaign.Go Cheryl!

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Liam gushes Cheryl's been his "dream girl" since he was younger

Throughout Liam's time in One Direction he often said his celebrity crush was Cheryl and who would have thought a few years later they'd be dating with a baby, ey?Well in March 2017, the boyband member opened up about his relationship with his O/H and admitted: "In a non-cliché way, it's weird waking up every day and literally living out your dream."You wake up in the most beautiful places. Obviously I have the most beautiful girlfriend in the world and she's absolutely amazing."He added: "She's been my dream girl since I was younger. She's so ace."

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Closer Online guess when Chezza will reveal she's given birth

Cheryl has always been one to share an adorable post on Mother's Day so at Closer Online we guessed that theGirls Aloud star may confirm she's given birth on the special day.It's safe to say that we wasn't far off...

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl and Liam annonce their baby news

March 25 2017 In March Cheryl and Liam confirmed they've welcomed a baby boy into the world. The yummy mummy wrote on Instagram: "On Wednesday 22nd March Liam and I became parents to an incredibly beautiful, healthy baby boy, weighing 7lb 9 and looking like a dream. "Although he still doesn't have a name he is already stealing hearts. We are all madly in love and overwhelmingly happy with our little arrival. "Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers around the world. A day that now has a different meaning to me forever ud83dudc99 "Liam added: "My close friends and family know there are very few times when I'm left speechless... wow!"I'm incredibly happy to welcome our new baby boy into the world, it's a moment that I will never forget for the rest of my life and my favourite memory I have so far. "I'm completely in awe of his incredible mother and how she has been the whole way through this, she's really made my dreams come true."

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CREDIT: L'Oreal & The Princes Trust

Cheryl

Shortly after Cheryl and Liam welcomed their first child into the world it became very clear that they would be keeping their little one out of the spotlight. It was reported that they would not be doing any mag deals after welcoming their baby boy.

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CREDIT: Snapchat

Bear Payne

Chezza's hair stylist posted this sweet snap and fans rushed to speculate whether it was the new arrival.

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CREDIT: Getty Images

Cheryl and Liam announce their son's name

May 2Months after welcoming their first child together the happy couple finally revealed that their son is called Bear Payne. A photo even surfaced of Chez, Liam and Bear and it's safe to say that it was not what we were expecting.The world was surprised by other famous Bears' rushed to congratulate the couple on the unique name. Liam later revealed the real reason he and his girlfriend decided on the name Bear.

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CREDIT: Getty Images

Cheryl Liam Payne

Liam was quick to reveal his sons nickname and it's safe to say that it's absolutely adorable.

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CREDIT: Instagram / liampayne

Liam reveals Cheryl tried to breakup with him

After becoming parents Liam admitted that his relationship wasn't always smooth sailing. He admitted that she actually tried to break up with his once...Good job they worked though it, ey?

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CREDIT: Getty Images

Cheryl's pregnancy weight loss

May 22Just two months after welcoming baby Bear, Liam revealed that his O/H had already lost all her baby weight. Wowza!

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CREDIT: Getty Images

Liam and Cheryl ready for baby number two?

It wasn't long before Liam revealed he and Chez have already spoken about having even more children.N'aww.

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl talks her sex life with Liam Payne

Despite being VERY private about their son (well, Cheryl's mainly) the popstar couple continue to tease fans about their sex life. From admitting that he's had 'no complaints' from Cheryl about the size of his manhood to taking inspiration from an X-rated tweetto romance his girlfriend, Liam isn't one to keep quiet.Even Cheryl's broken her social media silence by giving her boyfriend a little PDA. She even sent fans into a frenzy following a raunchy tweet about her sex life with Liam Payne.

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Liam Payne

On Father's Day Cheryl opened up about Liam's relationship with baby Bear and it's safe to say that it's absolutely adorable.

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl

September 2017Despite Liam previously admitting that he and Cheryl want more children, Closer Magazine revealed that the mum-of-one isn't ready to extend their family just yet.

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CREDIT: Instagram / liampayne

Liam shares a photo of Bear Grey Payne

Although Cheryl has barely said anything about her little one, Liam revealed the real reason they're only showing 'glimpses' of their son on social media.

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Cheryl heads back to work

Just four months after welcoming baby Bear,Cheryl returned to work and looked as fabulous as ever.

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CREDIT: Instagram / liampayne

Liam Payne Bear

Even though Bear's parents are millionaires, they made it clear they will not be spoiling their little one. That didn't stop them from buying him a pair of Yeezy trainers and splashing out on designer clothes.Oh, how the other half live.

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CREDIT: Instagram / cherylofficial

Are Cheryl and Liam engaged?

February 2018Two years after the couple started dating and there's been a lot of speculation on whether Cheryl and Liam are engaged after the yummy mummy stepped out with a massive ring.

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CREDIT: Shutterstock / Rex

Have Liam and Cheryl split?

Shortly after the engagement rumours it was reported that the popstar couple's relationship was 'under strain'. Then it came to light that the former One Direction star was seeking legal advice about their 'split'.Eek!Things appeared to get even more awkward afterCheryl dodged a question about her O/Hin her BBC breakfast interview and then she hit back at FANS who quiz her on her relationship.Drama!

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CREDIT: Shutterstock / Rex

Cheryl and Liam put on a united front

After putting on a united front at the Brit AwardsLiam and Chez then hit back at the haters with a defiant video. The mum-of-one then went on a FURIOUS Twitter rant about critics of her relationship with Liam and just when you thought all was well with the pair, Cheryl ignoredLiam Payne's tasteless jokes on social media.

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CREDIT: Shutterstock

Cheryl and Liam Payne confirm SPLIT

After a two-year relationship Liam Payne and Cheryl confirmed they'd split on Twitter. Despite going their 'separate ways' they went on to say: "Bear is our world and we ask that you respect his privacy as we navigate our way through this together."

cheryl and liam payne
cheryl and liam in 2018 ©getty images

The source says, “Cheryl is struggling to take it in. She was quite surprised when she found out they’d set the date because it’s not that long since they got back together after a rocky period.

“But even though Liam is head over heels with Maya, he also wants Cheryl to be as involved as possible as it’s important to him that she builds a bond with Maya. Unsurprisingly, that stung Cheryl a little – especially because she has been single since their split so is feeling a little ‘left behind’. She is really happy for Liam and wants him to be in a good place, but she can’t help but feel deep down a little bit sad for her own situation. She has made no bones about the fact she has always wanted a family unit, so to try to navigate a blended family is taking a bit of getting used to.”

Liam split from Maya last year amid reports he wanted to “spend more time with his son now he’s getting older.”

Closer magazine
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Prior to the split, the singer had gushed about bonding with Bear during the pandemic, saying, “Most of all through this lockdown it’s been difficult to see Bear at certain points but I’ve actually connected with my son a bit more, which is fantastic.”

Liam also revealed that he and Cheryl had grown “closer than ever”. During his break from Maya, they had even been pictured with their son visiting Liam’s family in his hometown of Wolverhampton, with reports of cosy date nights and the pair playing happy families sparking rumours of a potential reunion.

And while the former Girls Aloud star – who’s remained single since their split – is said to be happy that Liam is moving on with his life, pals say she is feeling torn over fulfilling his wish.

The source says, “Cheryl has nothing against Maya and says she’s a lovely person, but there’s an awkwardness between them and she’s hesitant to force a relationship with her.

“She faces a dilemma. She’s told Liam she needs some time to adjust and get used to it all – especially now things are all happening so quickly.

“Liam just wants a happy blended family. Her friends have advised her to take things at her own pace and, while she wants to see Liam happy, she also needs to think about her own happiness and ensure that she feels comfortable with the situation – whether that’s bringing her into her fold or not.”

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