Cheryl: “What happened to the love I had with Liam?”
After Liam Payne confirmed rumours of tension in his relationship, insiders say anxious Cheryl is left wondering about their future together
Their relationship T has been under the spotlight for weeks amid rumours of trouble, and there was fresh speculation last week when Liam Payne lifted the lid on life with Cheryl in his most revealing interview yet.
The 24-year-old singer addressed rumours that their romance was over, and openly admitted that he and Cheryl, 34, have had issues – but believes that’s “normal in a relationship”.
Speaking about the press reports surrounding their awkward appearance at the BRITS together in February, Liam said, “The funniest thing was, a week before we were getting married, the next week we’re splitting up. For me, I just like to think we’re somewhere in the middle. You know, we have our struggles. Like of course I’m not going to sit here and say that everything’s absolutely fine and dandy, because of course you go through different things, and that’s what a relationship is.
“There was always going to be a little bit of tenseness in the way we sort ourselves out, but tell me a relationship in the
world that doesn’t go through a spot like that?”
Now sources say that although Cheryl – who shares one-year-old son Bear with Liam – was aware of the interview and had discussed it with him beforehand, she was shocked about much personal information he divulged.
FANNING THE FLAMES
Liam admitted in an interview last year that private Cheryl had been annoyed by his openness when talking to the press. He said, “I get too excited. She says, ‘What did you have to say that about me for?’”
A source says, “Cheryl knew Liam was doing the interview, but she didn’t know how honest he would be. There was perhaps a touch of rebellion in there from Liam, who decided to open up and say it how it was, which Cheryl wasn’t quite prepared for.
“And while they were relatively tame comments, she realised how silly it has made them look as they are trying to stop any negative speculation around their relationship. She’s frustrated this is just fanning the flames.”
The couple – who started dating in February 2016 – have been plagued by reports of relationship woes since the beginning of this year, with claims that time apart – with Liam often abroad recording music and Cheryl at home with Bear – had caused issues.
But the pair put on an uncharacteristically loved-up appearance at the BRITS last month, cosying up on the red carpet and whispering into each other’s ears – which prompted claims in the tabloids that it was all “choreographed by Cheryl” to silence split rumours. Insiders say that while the couple have had some issues with their long-distance relationship, Cheryl – who divorced footballer Ashley Cole in 2010 after four years of marriage, and split from second husband Jean-bernard Fernandez-versini in 2016 after just 19 months – is desperate not to have another relationship fail in the public eye.
WORK DISTANCE
The source says, “Cheryl knows there are issues in her relationship with Liam, mostly because of the distance with work. He’s touring the world, while she’s at home with Bear
“She sometimes feels there is this big divide between them and misses Liam while he’s off working. When she looks back, she wonders what happened to the love – the bliss she felt they had early on when they were living in a bubble – and fears it may have gone.
“Of course she cares for him, but it has been tough recently. However, Cheryl definitely does not want this relationship to fail. She is desperate to make it work and keep it going.”
Last week saw a milestone moment for the couple, as their son Bear turned one – but weeks before his birthday, rumours were flying that Liam would be in Japan during his son’s special day.
CAREER REVIVAL
And on Bear’s birthday, Liam was pictured at Tokyo airport – suggesting he did miss his son’s birthday. However, he did post a sweet Instagram pic holding of him Bear’s hand, captioned, “Can’t believe my little man is one today. Where does the time go? Happy birthday son you’re my world.”
And while Liam’s career has gone from strength to strength since he left One Direction, Cheryl was recently released from her label, Polydor Records. Last week, reports claimed she was in talks with film agencies about potentially reviving her career through acting roles.
Now sources say that Cheryl’s getting anxious about her career plans, but is determined to make a big comeback later this year.
The source adds, “Cheryl still wants to be a successful solo artist, but is keeping her options open. She knows that the secret to a happy relationship will be finding a way for them to keep a balance between work and their relationship – it’ll be tricky, but she still feels they can do it.”
❛SHE SOMETIMES FEELS THERE IS THIS BIG DIVIDE BETWEEN THEM – BUT SHE WANTS TO MAKE IT WORK❜