Cheryl Cole’s mum & friends rally around her as singer tells of ‘earth shattering’ agony over One Direction star’s death

By Joanne Kavanagh, Showbiz Reporter

It was a romance that caused a media storm.

One Direction hunk Liam Payne was only 14 when he met former X Factor judge Cheryl during the show in 2008.

But it wasn't until 2016 - when the Girls Aloud singer was divorcing her second husband - that the pair got together despite their ten-year age gap.

The couple made their relationship official in May of that year when they appeared at Eva Longoria's Global Gift Gala in Paris.

In 2017, Liam paid a sweet tribute to his girlfriend by getting a tattoo of her eye on his arm.

Cheryl was pregnant at the time and gave birth to a boy on March 22, 2017.

She posted a picture on Instagram of Liam cradling their 7lb 9oz baby and captioned: "On Wednesday Liam and I became parents to an incredibly beautiful, healthy baby boy looking like a dream."

One pal told The Sun: "Liam didn't leave Cheryl's side throughout the birth, and like her, he is besotted with their new son and can't wait to take him home.

"This is the perfect Mother's Day for Cheryl."

The Sun revealed in May 2017 that the couple named their son Bear.

They decided on the unusual name after spending a week getting to know him.

In February 2018, The Sun broke the news that Liam's constant travelling to promote his solo career had placed a huge strain on the relationship, and the pair were ready to split.

That same month,  as she shrugged off questions about her crumbling romance with Liam during a BBC Breakfast interview.

They then put on a united front together at the Brit Awards where they smiled on the red carpet and Cheryl joked about the couple's 'safe word'.

However, by July 2018, Cheryl and Liam made the decision to split.

A pal told The Sun: "Cheryl and Liam worked really hard on their relationship – they had troubles earlier this year and were able to get through them.

"But they're in different stages of their lives and, after a lot of careful thought, came to a decision that it's best for everyone if they do go their separate ways."

Liam and Cheryl released a statement confirming their break-up which read: "We are sad to announce that we are going our separate ways. It's been a tough decision for us to make.

"We still have so much love for each other as a family. Bear is our world and we ask that you respect his privacy as we navigate our way through this together."

We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. 

But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.

The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.

We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. - Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.

Louis Tomlinson wrote: "His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on.

"Thank you for shaping us Liam.

"I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.

"I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you."

Zayn Malik said: "Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can't help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.

"I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.

"When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved."

He added: "When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.

"I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.

"I lost a brother when you left us and can't explain to you what I'd give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly.

"I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever".

And Harry Styles wrote: "I am truly devastated by Liam's passing.

"His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.

"Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.

"He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.

"The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.

"My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did."

Niall Horan wrote: "I'm absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn't feel real.

"Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.

"All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness.

"We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn't happen often in a lifetime.

"I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It's heartbreaking.

"My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear."