Liam Payne and Cheryl: Full relationship timeline from X Factor to co-parenting
Payne became famous at 16 when he joined the boyband One Direction. He later pursued a solo career, putting out an album and working with several well-known artists.
From a young age, he was always in the limelight, and his personal relationships frequently attracted scrutiny.
Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy
It is known that at the time of his passing, Payne was in a relationship with Kate Cassidy, and they had been together since October 2022.
He previously went out with model Maya Henry, but he's probably most well-known for his relationship with another singer, Cheryl, who is now known by her original name, Cheryl Tweedy.
This is the tale of their love affair.
Origins Of The X Factor In 2008
Long before he joined One Direction, Payne tried out for The X Factor as a solo singer. At just 14 years old in 2008, he took the stage and sang Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon."
He gave a wink to Tweedy, who was at that time referred to as Cheryl Cole due to her marriage to the Arsenal football player Ashley.
The 25-year-old Tweedy remarked, “I find you really attractive; you have a certain charm, and I noticed you gave me a playful wink.”
Payne reached the boot camp phase and then went to a judge’s home, but he was eliminated and advised by Simon Cowell to return in two years.
2010: A Year Of Change And Growth
Two years later, Payne got another opportunity to perform for Tweedy, and while he advanced to the next stage, he was eliminated as a solo performer.
But guest judge Nicole Scherzinger came up with a brilliant suggestion to team him up with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik. What followed became legendary.
In that same year, Tweedy ended her marriage to Ashley Cole and made strides in her solo music career.
Ashley and Cheryl ended their relationship in 2010.
Ian West / PA Wire
Liam And Cheryl Begin Their Romance In 2016
In December 2015, One Direction took the stage at the X Factor finale, which gave Payne the chance to reconnect with Tweedy.
In February 2016, Tweedy ended her marriage with her second husband, Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, which sparked speculation that she was in a relationship with Payne.
This was validated in May of that year when the couple went to the Global Gift Gala in Paris.
The couple drew attention due to their ten-year age gap.
Cheryl and Liam Payne were present at the Brit Awards held at the O2 Arena.
Ian West / PA --- Ian West / Press Association
Bear's Arrival: March 2017
After a year of being together, the couple celebrated the arrival of their son, whom they chose to name Bear.
Payne expressed, "My closest friends and family can attest that there are rarely moments when I'm at a loss for words... wow! I’m absolutely overjoyed to introduce our little baby boy to the world."
“I'll always remember this moment; it's my favorite memory to date. I’m truly amazed by his wonderful mother and the support she has shown throughout this journey. She has truly helped make my dreams a reality.”
July 2018: Dreams Come To An End
Payne and Tweedy ended their relationship after being together for two years.
He posted on Twitter: “Cheryl and I are sorry to share that we’ve decided to part ways. It wasn’t an easy choice for us.”
“Our family bonds remain strong, and we have an abundance of love for one another. Bear means everything to us, and we kindly ask for your understanding and respect for his privacy as we work through this together.”
Although both have started new relationships, they continue to stay dedicated to co-parenting their seven-year-old son, Bear.
In various interviews, Payne and Tweedy have mentioned that they alternate in caring for their son and have intentionally worked to keep him away from public attention.
As of 10 AM on Thursday, Tweedy has yet to address Payne's passing on any social media platforms.
On Mother’s Day in 2020, Payne shared his thoughts: “Wishing a wonderful Mother’s Day to my mom and Cheryl! You both are incredible moms, and Bear and I are so grateful to have you in our lives. Thank you for raising me with love, and thank you, Cheryl, for showering my son with so much affection.”
