She has previously praised him for being a “great dad” and hands- on with their son Bear – but last week Cheryl’s ex, Liam Payne, came under fire for revealing they had agreed he should “take time away” from them during the pandemic.
In an interview released last week but that took place during the first lockdown, Liam – who has been co-parenting with Cheryl since their split in July 2018 – said, “We discussed from the start [of lockdown] and, for different reasons, me and Cheryl decided I should be away for a little bit.”
He added it was “not unusual” for him to be “in and out” of his three-year-old son’s life.
Liam – who instead spent the three-month lockdown isolating with his American model fiancée, Maya Henry, 20 – also explained how the former couple wanted to keep Bear out of the public eye. He said that by doing so he’s enjoying a “double life”, explaining, “I get to be a dad and have a family in that way, that’s complete opposite of that [showbiz] zone. It’s mine for my own, except for Cheryl and Bear.”
The candid admission came after Liam, 27, revealed in May that Bear was struggling to understand why he hadn’t been able to see his dad face-to-face for a while. Explaining how they’d kept in touch over FaceTime, he said, “The other day he said, ‘We need you here now, Daddy’. Bless him... made me want to cry.”
However, their decision for Liam to co-parent Bear virtually during the pandemic confused some fans. One posted online, “Why on earth they can’t arrange for their son to spend time with both of them, which is allowed under lockdown rules, rather than only being able to see his father on a Zoom call, I have no idea.” Another wrote, “Why have they agreed that it’s OK for a dad to be in and out like that?”
But an insider tells Closer that Cheryl, 37, is surprised Liam’s comments caused upset as she feels the arrangement works well for them. And the singer – who revealed earlier this year that she was considering a sperm donor to have another two children by the age of 40 – is said to feel more ready than ever to go it alone having had more time as a single mum with Bear.
A source says, “Cheryl knows Bear is the most important thing in Liam’s life, so him being away more hasn’t been an issue at all.
“In a way, it’s actually helped her feel more confident about going it alone. The last few months have made her realise that, when the time comes for her to have another baby, she won’t need a man around to help her because she relishes being alone with her child.”
In January, Cheryl revealed she would explore using a sperm donor and said in an interview, “If time was on my side and I was in my twenties then, yeah, I would wait and consider more options, or wait for somebody I felt was right… but there is never a guarantee because there are so many variables that can happen. Life is a funny old game.”
And relationship expert Jo Barnett believes the reason Cheryl is so content with Liam spending more time away is because she is now fully confident on single mum duties.
Jo explains, “Having your first baby is always quite daunting because it’s a huge responsibility, and there’s an awful lot to learn. Having a second parent there on hand helps ease that burden and provide support.
“But by now, Cheryl will have built up a considerable amount of confidence by being a single parent. The fact that she agreed to allowing Liam more time away from Bear seemingly shows this – that she feels positive and happy parenting alone.
“It’s likely their pact has reassured her that she will be fine having another baby on her own, without the need for a man.”
Check out: a look back at Cheryl and Liam Payne's relationship
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."
Their set-up has also been reassuring for Cheryl as she had been concerned that, with Liam and his fiancée Maya living more in her native America, it could have meant Bear spending more time over there without her.
Liam has gushed over his ex’s parenting skills, calling her an “amazing” mum and thanking her for “showing my son all the love in the world.”
The source adds, “Cheryl had fears around Bear being away a lot so, in a way, this works for her as she doesn’t have to give him up too much.
“Because Cheryl and Liam are on such good terms, it means they can still hang out together with Bear, which makes it easier than always having to split time to do things with Bear separately.
“Plus Liam’s confidence in her and their pact, which made her more of a single mum, has given her the confidence to go ahead with another baby – and friends believe she wants one sooner rather than later.”
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After their split, Liam insisted Bear was their priority, and made every effort to see him as much as possible – including spending every Christmas together, even last year when he was living with Maya. He said at the time, “I’m going to go down and see Bear and maybe cook a Christmas dinner. I want to see if he really ‘gets’ unwrapping presents this year. Otherwise it’ll just be Cheryl by the tree again.”
In an interview last year, Cheryl said, “Liam is a great dad. He’s much softer than me. It is what it is, and I’m OK about it. When you have a baby, you’re not consumed with just thinking about yourself. It’s your responsibility to keep things settled and happy, so you make the best of everything. And we have.” Meanwhile, Liam credited Cheryl for being “understanding and supportive” of his career while co-parenting. The source adds, “The way they parent might not work for everybody, but it’s perfect for them as a family.”
Get the best celeb interviews in Closer magazine each week.