While Christmas is often the happiest time of the year, it’s also a season of heartbreak for many – and for Girls Aloud star Cheryl, the holidays will undoubtedly be a difficult time. Following the devastating death of her ex Liam Payne, this is the first Christmas that she and their seven-year-old son Bear will spend without him in their lives.
One Direction star Liam, 31, heartbreakingly passed away in October after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As the news shocked the world, Cheryl, 41, released an emotional statement, writing, ‘Liam was not only a pop star and a celebrity – he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend, and a father to our seven-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.’
Cheryl was among friends and family at Liam’s funeral in November, alongside former One Direction bandmates Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, and Niall Horan. Liam’s coffin arrived at the church on a white horse-drawn hearse carrying flowers spelling the words ‘Son’ and ‘Daddy’. And with the festive period upon us, our source says Cheryl will be supported by her friends and family as she pours love into Bear.
‘After everything they’ve been through over the last couple of months, Cheryl’s made a promise to make this a happy Christmas and not wallow in grief and sadness,’ we’re told. ‘She’s determined to do her very best not to have the festive season full of heartache, but fill it with happy memories.’
Cheryl and Liam welcomed Bear in 2017, and despite their split the following year, remained close friends and dedicated co-parents – with Liam referring to his ex as ‘one of the most, if not the most, important people in my life.’ Splitting his time between the US – where he’d just moved into a Florida apartment with girlfriend Kate Cassidy – and the UK, Liam’s home in Buckinghamshire was just three minutes from Cheryl’s house, allowing him to spend as much quality time with his son as possible.
The singer had often praised his co-parenting relationship with Cheryl, previously revealing how the family reunite over the festive season. Talking in 2019 about his Christmas plans, Liam shared, ‘I’m going to go down and see Bear, maybe cook a Christmas dinner and just hang out with family.’ He later added, ‘I think this is the first time Bear really gets Christmas now. I want to see if he actually gets unwrapping presents this year though, because otherwise, it’ll just be Cheryl by the tree again.’
Cheryl had also spoken of how Liam loved embracing fatherhood, enjoying taking on the role of the fun parent. Talking in 2019, she shared, ‘I’m the strict one, Liam isn’t. I’ll be the one saying, “Just one square of chocolate.” But Bear is so good. If I get cross with him, he puts his little hands on my face and looks into my eyes to see if I’m deadly serious or a tiny bit cross, and it melts my heart. Liam is much softer than me.’
It’s clear Liam will leave a huge hole in their lives, with Cheryl undoubtedly focussing all of her attention on her young son. Speaking of how he changed her life in 2017, Cheryl explained, ‘My approach to life and the world changed when I became a mother to Bear. I have a completely different perspective now that I’m responsible for another human. I care less about silly stuff and more about the important things in life, like Bear’s health and happiness.’
It’s thought that the former X Factor judge will have her friends and family around her, as they hope to bring in some Christmas magic for Bear. But while there will hopefully be joy and laughter, we’re told that they will also honour Liam’s memory. ‘For Cheryl, Bear is her priority this Christmas, and she wants to ensure everything is as familiar and nostalgic as possible – telling stories about his dad, sharing happy memories, and ensuring they honour Liam’s memory,’ we’re told. ‘They want to support and comfort each other, while making the season as festive as possible given the circumstances.’
