CRAZY STUPID LOVE
Cheryl and Liam all smiles on red carpet as they put a brave face on claims that their relationship is in trouble
Cheryl Tweedy and Liam Payne gaze into each other’s eyes at music awards, quashing rumours of a rocky romance
CHERYL Cole and Liam Payne put on a united front at the Brits last night amid speculation their relationship is on the rocks. The pair looked loved up on the red carpet after it was revealed earlier this week that they were “working through their problems”. A pal said: “Cheryl was determined to show the world their relationship is worth fighting for.” The couple – who have an 11-month-old boy, Bear – put their romance on show for the opening of the music industry’s biggest night. Posing for photos – with Cheryl, 34, dressed in a short black dress and holding a white rose for the Time’s Up movement – the couple wrapped their arms around each other. Liam, 24, whispered in her ear, making her laugh. Cheryl then took him by the hand and led him into London’s O2. During the show, Liam Gallagher paid an emotional tribute to the Manchester Arena terror victims – after Ariana Grande pulled out at the 11th hour. The former Oasis frontman performed a tear-jerking dedication to the 22 who lost their lives in May last year. He sang Live Forever – which he duetted with Chris Martin at the Manchester One Love concert. Ariana had been due to perform but fell ill at the last minute and doctors refused to let her board a private jet to London. Organisers were “frantic” after receiving news of her call-off. A source said: “It was utter chaos when the call came in that Ariana couldn’t do it. It was very much the centrepiece of the entire show and so much hard work had been poured into it. “Bosses were frantic with worry and there was a race against time to secure a new performer – and who better than Mancunian Liam?” A source close to Grande said: “Ariana fell ill and was going to come in spite of that, but was ordered by her doctor to not fly.” Earlier this month, Liam accused organisers of refusing to let him play live. He wrote on Twitter: “So the Brit awards have ballooned it again. All I wanted to do was play LIVE but they’re too scared.” But after being asked he “jumped at the chance to do his bit”. A pal said: “His team instantly said yes. They were honoured for him to agree.” Ed Sheeran won only one Brit, despite four nominations. Grime was finally recognised after several nominated artists failed to collect awards last year, with Stormzy, 24, pipping Ed to the British Album of the Year as well as Best British Male Solo Artist.
Ed, 27, also lost out on the Best British Single award, which is initially determined by sales prior to an academy vote. Four of Ed’s songs sold more than the winning hit, Rag ’n’ Bone Man’s Human.
Ed did collect the Global Success Award, the only gong determined solely by sales, from Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood.
Dua Lipa won the British Breakthrough Award, as well as being named Best British Female Solo Artist after topping the nominations list with five.
Accepting her solo award, she said: “Here’s to more women on these stages, more women winning these awards, more women taking over the world.”
Gorillaz took home Best British Group, while Kendrick Lamar and Lorde picked up Best International Male and Female respectively. Foo Fighters won Best International Group.