A look back at Cheryl’s dating history from Ashley Cole to Liam Payne

Who was Cheryl's first boyfriend?

by closer |
Updated on

The pop star hasn't had an easy time of it when it comes to love

When former X Factor judge Cheryl welcomed baby Bear into the world back in March 2017, many thought she'd found her true happiness with One Direction singer Liam Payne,following many failed relationships.

However, hearts were broken in July 2018, with Liam being added to Cheryl's list of ex-boyfriends after the pair announced they'd split in a joint statement, leaving fans wondering if she'd ever find Mr Right.

Check out Cheryl's complete dating history below, from marriages, friendships and babies:

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Cheryl relationship timeline - stacked

Ashley Cole1 of 11
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

2004-2010: Ashley Cole

Not long into her rise to fame, Cheryl started dating England footballer Ashley Cole, even attending the World Cup with the likes of Victoria Beckham and Coleen Rooney. Clearly smitten, the loved-up pair got married in 2016, penning a six-figure magazine deal at the time.

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2004-2010: Ashley Cole

However, things started to turn sour for the 'golden couple' when Ashley was accused of 'cheating' on Cheryl just months after their wedding. Despite forgiving the footballer, Ashley continued with his ways, with allegations that he'd been unfaithful rocking their romance yet again. Everything got too much for Chez in 2010, when she filed for divorce from Ashley.

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CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

2010-2011: Derek Hough

Cheryl first met professional dancer Derek Hough whilst the pair filmed the music video for her hit track 'Parachute', and it seems they immediately hit it off. The former X Factor judge contracted Malaria in 2010, and she later told Piers Morgan, "I owe my life to Derek... if it wasn't for him I'd be dead."

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2010-2011: Derek Hough

Despite this, it seems the pair were destined to just be friends, with Derek later revealing to the media, "We dated for a while. Absolutely we are still friends, we are still very close."

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2012-2013: Tre Holloway

It seems Cheryl had quite a thing for professional dancers, as her next boyfriend was the super handsome Tre Holloway. Despite first meeting each other on The X Factor in 2010, the pair didn't grow close until 2012, with Cheryl enlisting Tre's dancing skills for her 'Ghetto Baby' music video.

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2012-2013: Tre Holloway

Things seemed to be getting serious between the two, especially when Tre starred in Cheryl's ITV2 documentary. However, the long-distance relationship didn't work out, with the couple calling it quits in 2013. Speaking at the time, Tre said, "She's an amazing person, an amazing woman, and we are good friends."

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2014-2016: Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini

It looked like Cheryl had found 'the one' when she met French businessman Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini in 2014. Only three months into their romance, Cheryl shocked her fans by announcing she'd married JB, in a secret beach location with her close family and friends.

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2014-2016: Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini

After her second marriage, rumours of tension between Cheryl and JB started to arise, with the couple being pictured looking glum on more than one occasion. 18 months after their whirlwind wedding, Cheryl and JB were granted a quickie divorce in October 2018.

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2016-2018: Liam Payne

Shortly after Cheryl divorced JB, she singer shocked the showbiz world in 2016, when she confirmed she was dating One Direction singer Liam Payne. Despite the pair having a 10-year age gap, and originally meeting when Liam was just 14-years-old on The X Factor, Cheryl and Liam instantly hit it off, posting a number of adorable snaps together.

2016-2018: Liam Payne10 of 11

2016-2018: Liam Payne

After what was the worst kept pregnancy secret of the decade, Cheryl and Liam welcomed a baby boy into the world in March 2017, settling on the name Bear Grey Payne.

2016-2018: Liam Payne11 of 11
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

2016-2018: Liam Payne

Split rumours started to hit the pair in early 2018, but Cheryl and Liam were quick to shut them down, putting on a very loved-up display at the 2018 BRIT Awards. However, just five months later, the couple released a joint statement admitting they've decided to separate. Despite this, the pair remain good friends and co-parent baby Bear.

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The former couple have remained close since their split in July – with Cheryl and Liam Payne staying true to their word when they announced that they “still have so much love for each other as a family.”

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Cheryl.
©Getty

But pals say Cheryl, 35 – who spent Christmas with Liam, 25, and their two-year-old son Bear – is starting to worry that their friendship is becoming a little one-sided. Back in March, Cheryl even moved Bear’s birthday celebrations forward due to Liam’s Dubai gig clashing with their son’s special day – the second time he’s missed it in two years due to work commitments.

Men aside, Cheryl made her comeback to music last year, following a four-year break. The singer dropped her track 'Love Made Me Do It', and now she's revealed there is more to come around May 2019.

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