Cheryl’s relief as Liam helps her create a happy family
As they co-parent in isolation, pals say Cheryl and ex Liam Payne have a stronger relationship than ever
NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, THEY’LL ALWAYS HAVE A CLOSE BOND AND FRIENDSHIP
Ahead of the nation going into lockdown amid the coronavirus crisis last week, Cheryl revealed she’d erred on the side of caution and kept third birthday celebrations for her son, Bear – who she shares with ex Liam Payne – low-key.
Proving their bond is still strong, Liam, 26, praised Cheryl, 36, on Instagram, calling her a “special lady” who shows their son “all the love in the world”.
And pals say the star is relieved she has someone like Liam in her life, after so much animosity with her other exes.
A source says, “Liam has been an incredible support to Cheryl with everything going on, and it’s made her realise just how dedicated he is to her and Bear.
“He’s been checking in every day, having long Skype sessions with Bear, arranging for toys to be delivered, and catching up with Cheryl to come up with fun ways to keep him entertained while they’re spending more time at home.
“Liam’s been making such an effort, which has been a real comfort to Cheryl. She’s definitely had a few wobbly days, but Liam being so attentive to them both has given her a boost.
He’s helping her stay strong for Bear and create a happy family life. She’s grateful and thrilled he is the father of her baby boy and that he’s being so good in a crisis.”
STEPPING UP
The pair met in 2008 when Liam auditioned for The X Factor as a shy 14 year old, while Cheryl, then 24, was a glamorous judge. They became romantically linked months after Cheryl split from second husband JeanBernard Fernandez-Versini, 39, in January 2016. The pair went Instagram official in March.
After 12 months of dating, Cheryl gave birth to their son Bear in March 2017, but they split a year later, saying in a joint statement that it was a “tough decision” and that they still had “so much love for each other as a family”. And pals close to the couple say that still holds true today.
The source adds, “Cheryl can see that Liam is more than stepping up to the plate. She’s been telling friends that she is so happy he’s the father of her child and that, no matter what happens, they’ll always have a close bond and friendship. Unlike some of her other exes, she really believes Liam is a good guy.
“Cheryl is happy she and Liam can be such good pals. His presence in her life is a source of joy – she’s grateful and relieved that, as exes, they can have this bond.”
In contrast, Cheryl’s previous long-term romances ended bitterly, including her first marriage to footballer Ashley Cole, 39 – which broke down in 2010 amid cheating claims – and her 2016 split from Jean-Bernard for “unreasonable behaviour”. In 2018, Cheryl claimed in an interview that Liam was “the only man who has ever been faithful” to her.
Liam is still believed to be dating 19-year-old model
Maya Henry, whom he was pictured with in London earlier this month, despite reports that they had split. But pals say that Cheryl is happy for Maya to be involved in their parenting process.
“Liam has been incredibly respectful of Cheryl’s parenting rules and lets her take the lead,” says the source. “She has no problem, under normal circumstances, in Maya seeing Bear. Maya obviously makes Liam very happy and she’s pleased for both of them. She is just happy things have panned out so peacefully between herself and Liam and it didn’t get ugly.”
OPTIMISTIC
Closer recently reported that Cheryl plans to start doubledating with pals, and the source says she hopes to continue her close friendship with Liam when she finally finds herself a new long-term relationship.
The source says, “With everything going on, Cheryl knows it’ll be a while before she can get out to meet people – but that won’t stop her going online and checking out potential dates. She’s feeling very optimistic about her future, and is sure her friendly relationship with Liam won’t be an issue for any man she eventually lets into her life.”
By Daisy McLure