He cited his engagement to model Maya Henry as a “blessing” last week, as he gushed about how “fortunate and grateful” he was for his American fiancée in his first interview since his proposal in September.
In the candid chat, loved-up Liam Payne praised his wife-to-be for being understanding, and went on to share social-media snaps of 20-year-old Maya flaunting her huge diamond ring, while she shared intimate pictures of them kissing.
During the same interview, Liam, 27, also opened up about his joy of being a dad to three-year-old son Bear, who he shares with his ex, Cheryl, 37. Revealing how he basked in Bear’s excitement over Christmas, the ex-1D star said, “He completely gets it now. He’s been watching Home Alone – and ‘Merry Christmas, you filthy animal’ was one of his first phrases! I think it’s absolutely hilarious; I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
And while pals say Cheryl – who’s made no secret of her longing for another child – is happy her ex is in such a good place following their 2018 split, she can’t help but have mixed feelings over the fact that he and Maya are so loved-up they could have a baby before she does.
A source says, “Liam’s matured a lot in recent years, which he’s proven in his role as a doting dad, as well as his commitment to Maya.
“Before the latest lockdown, Liam spent a lot of time at Cheryl’s house, watching movies with Bear and reveling in his excitement over Christmas, which Cheryl loved to see. But it is bittersweet, because she also knows it could be sooner rather than later before Liam has more babies. He has achieved so much in his life, but having Bear has taught him that what matters the most is family. Bear has filled a void in his life and given him something money can’t buy.
“He and Maya are so loved-up, and Cheryl knows how quickly Liam moves in relationships. She wouldn’t be surprised if they were to announce a pregnancy in the not-too-distant future. She can’t help but have a few understandable fears around how Liam and Maya having a baby of their own will impact their family dynamic with Bear, as Liam will have to split his valuable time in even more ways than he does now. Plus it means Bear could be spending longer periods of time with them and a new sibling, which would leave Cheryl on her own at home.”
Former X Factor judge Cheryl fell pregnant with Liam’s baby just months after they began dating in 2016. Shortly after becoming a dad, Liam revealed how he was “open” to having another baby. But following his split from Cheryl, the singer admitted he had felt overwhelmed by fatherhood at the age of 24. He confessed, “I think I built fatherhood up so much in my head that it kind of messed me up to start with. I think it spooked me out early on, and I was just worried I would not be enough to look after the both of them.”
Check out: a look back at Cheryl and Liam Payne's relationship from the very beginning
Cheryl and Liam Payne: Their love story from the start - SLIDER
1 of 68Liam 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...
2 of 68Liam 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...
3 of 68Liam 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.
4 of 68Cheryl 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!
5 of 68Liam 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.
6 of 68Cheryl 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.'
7 of 68Cheryl 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)
8 of 68Chezza'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.
9 of 68The 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."
10 of 68Liam 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.
11 of 68Cheryl 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."
12 of 68They 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!
13 of 68Cheryl 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.
14 of 68Cheryl 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."
15 of 68Cheryl Tweedy Liam Payne
March 9Cheryl and Liam were spotted holding hands leaving Salmontini restaurant in London.
16 of 68Cheryl 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!!!"
17 of 68Cheryl and Liam's FIRST Easter together
Cheryl posted a photo of Liam carrying a BUNCH of Easter eggs on Instagram.
18 of 68Simon 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!
19 of 68It 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.
20 of 68Cheryl Liam Payne
April 12Liam and Cheryl were spotted again looking VERY cute at the London restaurant Sexy Fish.
21 of 68Cheryl 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'.
22 of 68Cheryl Liam Payne
May 12A few days later the happy couple appeared together on the red carpet at the 69th Cannes Film Festival.
23 of 68Cheryl 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!"
24 of 68Cheryl Liam Payne
June 11Liam and Cheryl attend his sister Ruth's wedding as a couple and looked VERY stylish.
25 of 68Liam 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."
26 of 68Cheryl 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."
27 of 68Liam 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!
28 of 68Cheryl 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!
29 of 68Liam Payne
September 15Liam changed his Twitter bio to read: "Luckiest man in the world" which fuelled any pregnancy rumours further.
30 of 68Liam 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?
31 of 68Cheryl'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.
32 of 68Cheryl
October 3After being fairly absent from social media Cheryl uploaded a stunning selfie on Instagram with a butterfly filter.
33 of 68Cheryl divorces her ex-husband
34 of 68Cheryl
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.
35 of 68Cheryl
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.
36 of 68Cheryl 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!
37 of 68Liam'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"
38 of 68Liam 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?
39 of 68Wedding 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!
40 of 68Liam 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.
41 of 68Cheryl
Cheryl simply replied to Liam's tweet saying: "Oh..."Yes Liam! Sticking up for the lady in your life.
42 of 68Cheryl Liam Payne baby lookalike
December 12Closer Online unveiled a picture of what Liam and Cheryl's baby could look like.
43 of 68Cheryl 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.
44 of 68Liam 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!
45 of 68Cheryl
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'.
46 of 68Cheryl 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."
47 of 68Cheryl
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..."
48 of 68Cheryl
February 23Just a month before welcoming her little one, Chez proudly cradled her baby bump as part of a powerful campaign.Go Cheryl!
49 of 68Liam 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."
50 of 68Closer 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...
51 of 68Cheryl 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."
52 of 68Cheryl
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.
53 of 68Bear Payne
Chezza's hair stylist posted this sweet snap and fans rushed to speculate whether it was the new arrival.
54 of 68Cheryl 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.
55 of 68Cheryl Liam Payne
Liam was quick to reveal his sons nickname and it's safe to say that it's absolutely adorable.
56 of 68Liam 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?
57 of 68Cheryl'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!
58 of 68Liam 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.
59 of 68Cheryl 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.
60 of 68Liam 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.
61 of 68Cheryl
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.
62 of 68Liam 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.
63 of 68Cheryl heads back to work
Just four months after welcoming baby Bear,Cheryl returned to work and looked as fabulous as ever.
64 of 68Liam 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.
65 of 68Are 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.
66 of 68Have 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!
67 of 68Cheryl 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.
68 of 68Cheryl 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."
He was forced to miss chunks of Bear’s early life, including his first two birthdays, due to work commitments. And during the first lockdown last spring, he revealed he was unable to see his son for “various reasons”, adding, “It’s not unusual for me to be in and out of his life.”
However, Liam has recently revealed how he dotes on his son, saying Christmas was “hollow” for him before he became a father, while Cheryl has credited him with being an “amazing” dad whom Bear adores.
Last month, Liam and Maya relocated from London to Buckinghamshire, renting a £5million mansion so he could be closer to Cheryl and Bear. And while in his latest interview he admitted it took him a “while to find my footing” as a parent, he now revels in his role and has been fascinated “watching him grow into a wonderful person.”
The source adds, “Liam has shown more maturity and devotion to Bear than ever, but now that he’s found his feet and feels so confident as a dad, Cheryl can’t help but feel it’s making him broody for another.”
Last year, Cheryl revealed she was looking into “other options” to conceive “at least two more [babies]” in the absence of a partner. The former Girls Aloud star – who’s said she wants “100 children” – confessed, “If time was on my side and I was in my twenties, yeah, I would wait and consider more options, or wait for somebody I felt was right, but… You don’t necessarily need to be in a relationship. I’ve got a friend who has had two children using donors. Not everything has to be conventional.”
Insiders recently told Closer how Cheryl had reached out to former X Factor co-judge Natalie Imbruglia, 45, for advice, after Natalie used a sperm donor and underwent IVF to conceive her son Max, who was born in October.
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While Liam has reportedly vowed to support Cheryl when she gives their son a sibling. With fertility clinics remaining open during lockdown, Cheryl is said to be pushing ahead with her plans – but insiders say she’s concerned Liam’s vow of support will be diminished if he has another child before her. The source says, “While Liam’s been supportive of Cheryl’s plans to have a baby on her own, she’s now worried that if Maya falls pregnant before she does, he will be stretched too thin and won’t be able to support her as much.”
And while Cheryl has appreciated Liam’s tributes to her in the aftermath of their split – citing her as the “most important person” in his life – pals say she hopes that won’t change once he expands his own family. A source adds, “Liam’s happiness is important to Cheryl, and while she wants to embrace the set-up they’ve worked so hard to achieve, she just prays that if he has another baby before her, it won’t affect their dynamic.
“In Cheryl’s ideal world she’ll have a baby this year, and Liam and Maya will follow. But for now, she is trying not to obsess over it and focus instead on expanding her own family.”
Get the best celeb interviews in Closer magazine each week.