Inside Bear’s first birthday party – plus Cheryl and Liam’s co-parenting plans

Cheryl wants everything to be perfect

Bear Payne is probably more concerned with learning to walk and talk right now, but with a mum like Cheryl, there was no way his first birthday was going to be celebrated with some Asda cupcakes and a ten-pack of balloons.

Bear turns one on 22 March and an insider close to Cheryl, 34, has told heat that she’s putting aside her relationship woes and is pulling out all the stops to give him a very special party. “All she’s focused on right now is throwing the perfect birthday party for Bear – she has her assistant Lily dedicated to organising it,” we’re told. “She’s filling the house with balloons and decorations – everything has been personalised – and she’s booked a professional photographer, too.”

Our source adds that the rumours of Cheryl and Liam Payne banning presents are definitely not true. “Of course they want their little boy to have gifts. Cheryl’s bought him an outdoor swing and slide, one of those mini cars and loads of toys. He’ll be getting lots of new designer clothes, too.”

We’re told the party will be “a familyonly affair at home – with both Liam and Cheryl’s relatives, and also close friends who she considers family”, including her former Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts.

Liam is signed up to perform at a festival in Tokyo just two days after Bear’s actual birthday, and last week, he hinted that he’d have to leave halfway through the festivities. And with recent rumours of an impending split, Cheryl is, of course, said to be worried about the tension between the two of them. “All this effort to make it the ‘perfect’ party is being overshadowed by how awkward it’s going to be between herself and Liam – and his family and hers,” we’re told. “But Cheryl is just focused on Bear having a perfect day. She’s desperate to keep the tension hidden and make sure they all have great memories.”

And while, of course, they want to work things out, both she and Liam have made a pact that, whatever happens, they’ll always be a family.

“They both know they have been waiting until after the birthday to address what’s going on between them. It’s so important for them to be united for Bear, but Cheryl knows they can’t avoid the big chat forever.” ■ KATIE HOLLOWAY