Ex-One Direction singer Liam Payne flirts publicly with veteran supermodel Naomi Campbell on Instagram
LIAM Payne is an international pop star with millions in the bank and legions of loyal fans – but his flirting skills need some improvement.
The ex-One Direction singer, 25, was spotted sending cringe-inducing messages to supermodel Naomi Campbell on Instagram this weekend, sparking rumours that they are romantically involved.
Liam, who is 23 years her junior, couldn’t resist publicly declaring how he feels for Naomi by commenting: “Perfection in a person . . . don’t give me those eyes” on a glamorous picture of her, taken before she hit the runway.
But I can reveal that friends close to the pair had suspicions weeks ago that they could be dating when they appeared cosy together while celebrating New Year’s Eve at a beach party with mutual pals in Ghana.
An insider said: “Liam and Naomi had a great time there.
“They used the time to get to know each other properly, away from prying eyes back home, and partied until 6am on the beach.
“Their closeness raised eyebrows as they are such an unlikely pair and people struggled to believe it, but there is a real attraction between them. Now they have even decided to go public with their affection for each other — so it could become something more serious.”
Neither Liam nor Naomi were prepared to comment about their apparent romance — but they were happy to let fans speculate about the loved-up words to each other online.
Liam’s romantic leanings appear to be mutual after Naomi, who split from rapper Skepta last summer, told him he’s a “beautiful soul” on one of his topless Instagram snaps.
Liam’s comment on Naomi’s post — complete with a rose emoji — is likely to have riled his ex Cheryl Tweedy as the flower was once an intimate symbol of their relationship.
He would use the rose emoji in his posts to Cheryl, such as when he wished her well ahead of the release of her flop comeback single Love Made Me Do It, while she has the flower tattooed on her lower back and bum.
Lucky Liam has enough money tucked away to send a dozen roses to both ladies this coming Valentine’s Day.
Pixie goes for goat couture
PIXIE Lott is a different animal when it comes to fancy dress.
The singer celebrated her 28th birthday dressed as a golden-horned goat representing her star sign, Capricorn.
Pixie enjoyed a Zodiac-themed party with pals in London on Saturday, the same night Cher wore horns for her Here We Go Again tour date in the US.
No wonder people faun over them.
Danny’s med progress
DANNY Dyer is doing all he can to shake off his tough-guy image – including dedicating himself to ten minutes of meditation a day.
Speaking to Dermot O’Leary on his BBC Radio 2 show, Danny said he is using the practice to feel calmer and silence the voices in his head.
The EastEnders actor recently said it was unfair he’d been typecast as a hardman and told Dermot: “That’s why I’m doing a bit of meditation now and I love it.
“As soon as I wake up, I have a little ten-minute meditation and it turns the noises down.
“Because I’ve got some noises in my head, I’m telling you now. It’s coming from all angles, like a big mob of voices in my earholes.”
Danny quit drinking following an infamous meltdown at the National Television Awards two years ago. And he’s a new man these days.
He said: “I look handsome, don’t I? I’m looking after myself. Generally looking after your body . . . your body’s a temple. No more boozing.”
Danny, who plays Mick Carter in the BBC1 soap, has been nominated in the Serial Drama Performance category at tomorrow’s NTAs.
Even if he scoops the prize, he won’t be out late celebrating.
Gaga dad to fatten up celebs
HOLLYWOOD bashes are known for skimpy food portions but guests at this year’s post-Oscars Vanity Fair party need not worry.
Lady Gaga’s restaurant-owner dad Joe Germanotta is set to serve fried chicken and macaroni cheese at the bash, in a move that could leave weight-obsessed A-listers searching for a salad bowl.
Joe confirmed his calorific plans – based on the menu at his New York eatery Art Bird & Whiskey Bar – after I revealed on Friday he was in talks to cater for the event.
Joe said: “We haven’t finalised the deal but when we do, we’ll be serving fried chicken. I think they’re going to love it.”
He was quick to mention that bosses had approached him in his own right . . . and NOT because he’s so close to one of the world’s biggest music and movie stars.
Joe insisted: “That came independently. They came directly to me because we’ve had so much interest in what we’re doing.”
I’m sure. But being Lady Gaga’s dad probably didn’t hurt . . .
Biz meter charts
- ARIANA Grande is top of the Spotify charts with new single 7 Rings after its release last Friday. The video has racked up 40million YouTube views already.
- DANCING With A Stranger at No4 is the first time Sam Smith has worked with Normani since Sam admitted being a “huge fan” of the singer.
1. 7 Rings – Ariana Grande, 8m
2. Sweet But Psycho – Ava Max, 4m
3. Wow – Post Malone, 3.9m
4. Dancing With A Stranger – SamSmith & Normani, 3.5m
5. Without Me – Halsey, 3.3m
6. Thank U, Next – Ariana Grande, 3m
7. Sunflower: Spider-Man – Post Malone, 3m
8. Giant – Calvin Harris & Rag’n’bone Man, 3m
9. Nothing Breaks Like A Heart – Mark Ronson & Miley Cyrus, 2.5m
10. Play – Jax Jones, 2.5m
11. Sicko Mode – Travis Scott, 2.3m
12. Lost In The Fire – Gesaffelstein & The weeknd, 2m
13. Options – NSG, 2m
14. Zeze – Kodak Black, Travis Scoot & Offset, 2m
15. Going Bad – Meek Mill and Drake, 2m
16. Ruin My Life – Zara Larsson, 2m
17. Eastside – Benny Blanco & Halsey & Khalid, 1.5m
18. Close To Me – Ellie Goulding & Diplo & Swae Lee, 1m
19. 18 Hunna – Headie One & Dave, 1m
20. Shotgun – George Ezra, 1m
Holly’s has to cool warring ice stars
IT’S a wonder the Dancing On Ice rink didn’t melt last night.
Co-host Holly Willoughby debuted this racy black dress, then contestant Gemma Collins and judge Jason Gardiner had a heated row.
Gemma blasted him live on air after he slammed her diva antics in an interview with me in Saturday’s Sun.
She shouted: “Maybe I could have put more work into the performance if you weren’t selling stories about me. Stop selling stories about me! Stop selling stories!”
Far from “selling stories”, Jason simply gave me an honest interview where he expressed his own opinion.
Last night, he gave her a 3.0 for her performance as Marilyn Monroe, then twisted the knife by quipping: “I know you were channelling Marilyn, but we ended up with Anna Nicole Smith.”
Holly and co-host Philip Schofield were forced to step in to silence Gemma.
The notorious Towie star then skipped the group chat but returned to the rink following the results, which saw her put through despite her poor score.
Gemma’s had a torrid couple of weeks and now she’s truly skating on thin ice.
Biz bits
- OLIVIA Colman and Rachel Weisz were among the big winners at the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards yesterday. Colman was named best actress for The Favourite, while Weisz took home best supporting actress for the same film.
- SIMON Cowell is planning to overhaul the America’s Got Talent judging panel – replacing all of the line-up which includes model Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel. A US insider revealed: “Simon’s ready for new judges.”
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