His confessions and awkward revelations since their split have have been a thorn in the side for Cheryl as Liam Payne regularly dropped clangers in public.
He’s hinted his saucy performances with Rita Ora – with whom he collaborated on the single For You from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack – caused Cheryl to become jealous, and admitted he was “frightened” to be on the receiving end of her wrath.
Last month, Liam also caused a stir when he hinted that Cheryl’s anxiety around going outside put pressure on their relationship, saying, “For her, if you were going out somewhere, it would take so long to get out of the door because you’re just so worried.”
But after Closer revealed last week she was secretly smiling again after her ex faced a parenting backlash, which painted her in a better light, Cheryl, 36, is said to be feeling even more relieved after an interview with Liam came to light, in which he appears to finally take his share of the blame for their split.
In arguably his most candid confession yet, filmed a few months ago, Liam, 26, revealed his darkest secrets of how he’s “lucky” to be alive after depression left him suicidal.
He admitted struggling with becoming a dad at 24 to Bear, now two, and gave an insight into what caused hisbreak-up from Cheryl.
Check out: Cheryl's transformation throughout the years
Closer Cheryl's Transformation slider
1 of 542002 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 19
Cheryl Tweedy made her debut with pop band Girls Aloud in November 2002, while rocking the crazy noughties Fashion Trends.
2 of 542003 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 20
Cheryl (Tweedy) in her Girls Aloud days sporting the tomboy style tracks and sneakers.
3 of 542003 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 20
Cheryl as part of Girls Aloud.
4 of 542004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21
Cheryl slaying it in the tomboy baggy jeans and sneakers. And of cause the matching belt, top and earrings. And no outfit is complete 'till the pink sunnies come out.
5 of 542004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21
Who else would look this good sitting in a chair on stage performing on stage in quarters and flip flops?
6 of 542004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21
Ah yes, the not-so-invisible invisible bra straps that we all wore, especially with our little boob-tube tops.
7 of 542004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21
The LBB tasseled dress with heels that we all of 3cm high.
8 of 542005 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 22
With low cut jeans and crop top tees talking over fashion, Cheryl sure rocked this style!
9 of 542005 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 22
Looking back on fashion, early naughties were an absolute shocker! That dark brown, not quite maxi, not quite knee length skirt with pointed shoes did not do the mint green satin corset any favours. We still love you, though, Cheryl!
10 of 542005 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 22
Our girl Cheryl looking so happy, but oh dear! Looks like Girls Aloud girls were celebrating October fest... in July.
11 of 542005 Cheryl Tweedy- Age 22
That a lot of pink! The Girls Aloud group performed for the T4 Poll Winters' Party Smash Hits show.
12 of 542006 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 23
Cheryl arriving at the 2006 Alien Autopsy Premiere in an elegant evening coral dress, with a simple peep toe heel and shawl.
13 of 542006 Cheryl Cole - Age 23
YES! The highlight days! Still beautiful as ever in that champagne silk wrap dress with ex-hubby Ashley Cole.
14 of 542006 Cheryl Cole - Age 23
Cheryl means business at the movie premiere of 'It's A Boy Girl Thing' in support of Elton John's AIDS Foundation.
15 of 542007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24
Back to her dark shoulder length locks, Cheryl poses for Girls Aloud's new single 'Sexy! No No No'. With the pain white sleeved low cut top, Cheryl teases us with that little smirk!
16 of 542007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24
With her square cut dead straight locks, Cheryl plays the Sexy Librarian quite well! With that neutral lippy, giving just enough colour and her see through tank, we say YES to this look at the London Fashion week in '07.
17 of 542007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24
Cheryl appeared in style to the 2007 Samsung Launch for their new F20 Purple phone along side her girl squad. Dressed it a navy blue, knee length, body-con dress, she absolutely killed this entrance! Loving the neck line on this one, Cheryl.
18 of 542007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24
This stunner continues to stun us in a floor length sequined high neck dress at the 2007 British Red Cross Ball.
19 of 542008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
Arriving at the '08 Brit Awards, Cheryl sure stood out in that yellow piece and barbie pink lip colour, but WOW does that work! STUNNING!
20 of 542008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
Cheryl looked like she was in her element while walking the runway for the Fashion for Relief show during the London Fashion Week in '08. With a smile like that she definitely deserves the tiara!
21 of 542008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
Cheryl wore quite the statement piece to the Girls Aloud Book Signing in '08. Making sure she gabbed the eyes of fellow fans, the yellow and black tiger stripped dress entrusted with that bright pink belt aught to do it!
22 of 542008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
Cheryl Arriving at the National Television Awards wearing a a shoulder fall gown, with a pop of green down the bottom. This pin up hairstyle with the patterned chest and neck line is a win for sure!
23 of 542008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25
It be safe to say that by now, Cheryl has become a pro at making entrances. With the full head of long full locks and that killer smile, Cheryl was sure to turn heads as she entered the Music Industry Trusts' Awards in '08.
24 of 542009 Cheryl Cole - Age 26
From her music video 'Parachute' in 2009, Cheryl met Derek Hough and, although the pair didn't last, they sure look like they mean business. Especially in that dramatic layered black dress!
25 of 542009 Cheryl Cole - Age 26
Once again slaying at another entrance, Cheryl stuns us by showing off her long toned legs in this white textured a line mini dress.
26 of 542009 Cheryl Cole - Age 26
Cheryl sure showed us how she burlesques' while performing at the 2009 Brit awards.
27 of 542010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Cheryl with X Factor co-hosts after taking out the award for Most Popular Talent Show in 2010.
28 of 542010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Giving Tom Cruise a run for his money in these Aviators, Cheryl is looking hot as coming down those stairs at the 2010 Brit Awards!
29 of 542010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Cheryl rocks super skinny white wash denim jeans with a leather sleepless jacket looking absolutely fab!
30 of 542010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Cheryl performing songs from her first album as a solo artist at the opening of the Black Eyed Peas Concert in Dublin.
31 of 542010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27
Oh Yes! Cheryl giving us a it of a tease with the super high leg split in a simple-statement white dress arriving at the Annual Cannes Film Festival in '10. Love Love Love.
32 of 542011 Cheryl - Age 27
Sometimes simple is better, and Cheryl sure looked red hot arriving at the ELLE Style Awards in 2011.
33 of 542011 Cheryl- 28th Birthday
Celebrating in style on her 28th Birthday! This layered dress with a matching neckline, Cheryl surely out-dressed anyone and everyone at her bash, and so she should!
34 of 542011 Cheryl - Age 28
Cheryl nailed this colourful outfit at The X Factor.
35 of 542012 Cheryl- Age 28
Like the fiery star she is, Cheryl paired this number well with the all red accessories as she walked the red carpet!
36 of 542012 Cheryl - Age 28
Ah!! Those dimples! Who would fall involve with that.
37 of 542012 Cheryl -Age 28
Cheryl showed off her physique in this two-piece set, with sparkle finishings.
38 of 542013 Cheryl - Age 29
2013 saw the reunion of the Girls Aloud on their 'The Hits Tour 2013'.
39 of 542014 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 30
If anyone knows how to rock a Red Carpet, its Cheryl!
40 of 542014 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 30
Loving this more casual side of Cheryl. The tasseled jacked is a huge plus!
41 of 542015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31
Mid 2015, Cheryl posted a pic on her Insta wearing a 'MillyByMichelle' two piece. This flattering piece brings back memories of Yves Saint Laurent fall-winter collection in 1965 he the striped and blocked colours.
42 of 542015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31
Love this quirky do up and thigh high peep-toed leather boots. Right the way down to the black trimming on those winged sunnies.
43 of 542015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31
Forever turning heads, this lace tatted trail gown is just WOW!
44 of 542015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31
Paired with super high thigh high boots, this floral black mesh number is sexy, hot, diva-like and we like!
45 of 542016 Cheryl - Age 32
This sequinned striped jumpsuit just screams powerful and successful!
46 of 542016 Cheryl - Age 32
A more darker side to Cheryl, the perfect number for the Vogue 100 Gala Dinner in '16.
47 of 542016 Cheryl - Age 33
Mum-to-be Cheryl sure has a glow to her smile at the Gold Obsession Party in 2016 where she would have been around 4 months pregnant at the time with Bear!
48 of 542016 Cheryl - Age 33
Cheryl and then boyfriend Liam Payne cosy up.
49 of 542017 Cheryl - Age 34
At the #GAME4GRENFELL charity event, Cheryl looked super casual and super hot all at once. Red lips to match those red high waist A-line trousers.
50 of 542017 Cheryl - Age 34
In October of 2017, the mum of one walked the runway during the Le Defile L'Oreal Paris for the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2018 collection.
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51 of 542018 Cheryl - Aged 34
Putting rumours of a split behind them, Cheryl walked the red carpet at the BRIT Awards in a stunning LBD, accompanied with Liam Payne on her arm as they put on a very loved-up display.
52 of 542018 Cheryl - Aged 35
After announcing her split from Liam Payne in July, Cheryl showed off her shorter hair as she promoted her brand new single 'Love Made Me Do It' in November 2018.
53 of 542019 Cheryl - Aged 35
The former X Factor judge debuted another new look at the launch of new BBC show The Greatest Dancer in early 2019.
54 of 542019 Cheryl - Aged 35
The Geordie princess decided to lighten her hair a bit in March 2019, oozing glamour at an awards show.
Speaking to survival expert Ant Middleton on interview special Ant Middleton & Liam Payne: Straight Talking, which airs next week, Liam revealed how going from Wolverhampton schoolboy to one fifth of the world’s biggest boy band One Direction had taken its toll, admitting, “I’m lucky to be here still... I don’t know if I’ve made peace with it myself.”
When asked by Ant if he meant taking his own life, the star heartbreakingly confessed, “Yeah, when I’ve been in a bad place, 100 per cent. There’s no point denying it,” adding how he’s often turned to alcohol to “decompress”.
Speaking candidly to Ant, Liam also revealed how he struggled to cope with the pressures of becoming a dad at a young age, which he called his “biggest fear”.
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He said, “I built fatherhood up in my head [so] it kind of messed me up to start with. I started in a bad place with it.
“It spooked me out early on and I worried I wouldn’t be able to look after the both of them.”
Last year, Cheryl admitted she liked “quiet, peace and harmony” in her relationships, and with Liam’s new confessions that his drinking “always went a bit too far,” while being on the road with his music, he revealed they “grew apart” before breaking up.
An insider tells Closer that, although Cheryl has always remained tight-lipped over their relationship and what really happened between them, she is secretly pleased that Liam has spoken out, as it’s further proof that she wasn’t solely to blame for how it panned out.
The source says, “Liam warned Cheryl there’d be loads of attention around the show, so he made her aware of what he’d said in advance to prepare her – which she appreciates.
“And although she’s shocked he’s decided to do this and be so open, she’s also relieved the truth has finally come out, and feels very proud of the courage Liam’s showed in baring his soul about his demons.
“Cheryl’s sad that he went through all of that, but grateful that he’s helped set the record straight about what went wrong in their romance.
“There’s a part of her that has sometimes wondered if he was even in the right place to start a family.
“The truth is, Liam has struggled – not just with raising Bear, but with fame and drink – and that created a wedge between them romantically.”
However, the exes still remain very much on good terms, with Liam saying it’s Cheryl, he turns to in his darkest times, even though he’s now dating 19-year-old model Maya Henry.
He says in the new Sky One show, “Even though we’re not together, she’s one of the most important people, if not the most important person, in my life.
“Cheryl’s always there for me. I’m lucky enough to have someone who understands what I go through.”
Insiders say the exes have built a good friendship, with Cheryl taking a protective role over Liam, which is why he turns to her in difficult times.
The source adds, “Although he admits he’s found fatherhood tough at times, Liam often tells Cheryl that Bear is the best thing that happened to them and, while they may not have worked romantically, the fact they’ve remained friends and have come out the other side to co-parent their son lovingly is something to be proud of.
“The reason he’s being as open and honest as possible now is in an effort to help other young dads in the same situation.
“He can see that, on the outside looking in, he looks like he’s living the dream – but that hasn’t always been the case.”
Check out this week's Closer magazine for the BEST celeb stories.