She basically self-isolated for two years while she focused on motherhood, but two months into actual lockdown, heat’s been told Cheryl has truly had enough. Like all of us, she’s struggling with the monotony of everyday life and the full- on demands of looking after three-year-old son Bear Payne.
Throw in the challenges of co-parenting via video link with baby daddy Liam Payne – and Liam yet again making awkward comments about their former relationship – and it’s no surprise that Chezza’s “feeling trapped and a little suffocated” by her life right now.
Check out: Cheryl's transformation timeline
Cheryl Cole before and after: Girls Aloud singer's worst outfits ever
1 of 403rd January 2002
Pre the days of hair straighteners, make-up, eyebrow shaping and teeth whitening
2 of 409th January 2002
We can only imagine she was paid a lot of money to wear this leather beanie
3 of 409th February 2002
Warning: Highly flammable
4 of 4010th February 2002
Back in the Popstars: The Rivals days it was apparently a crime not to wear burgundy
5 of 403rd March 2002
Toilet roll = an excellent trim for a boring pink shirt
6 of 4017th October 2002
That sheepskin rug came in handy in the end then
7 of 4011th November 2002
Jewelled denim is only acceptable on members of B*Witched
8 of 4016th November 2002
Did that corset just not fit correctly? Is that why it's wrapped over again?
9 of 4029th January 2003
Combat trousers, a fur gilet and heels should only ever be reserved for the lives of Gwen Stefani
10 of 4014th May 2003
Ouch and OUCH
11 of 4021st June 2003
Going to a rave with those glowstick bangles, Chezza?
12 of 4020th September 2003
After using 10 cans of Elnett, Cheryl opted for this look at the Disney Kids Awards in 2003. Not setting a good fashion example to children, now are we?
13 of 408th December 2003
Chery's actually done very well fashioning an outfit out of day-release chic. Check the chain and belt
14 of 407th April 2004
Cheryl stopped off at Walford market for some last minute accessories
15 of 4014th December 2004
Flares and hoodies were our favourite items when we were 14 too
16 of 4024th January 2005
Looking very happy despite losing all the buttons on her shirt
17 of 4013th March 2005
No, Cheryl was not on an exotic holiday. She was just at the Embassy Club in London
18 of 4023rd March 2005
Words fail us
19 of 4030th June 2005
Since when did 2005 even produce those geriatric heels?
20 of 4023rd July 2005
That's it, hitch up that skirt until it disaappears please
21 of 4018th August 2005
That poor cardigan has been stretched to oblivion
22 of 403rd December 2005
What lovely velvet knickers you have. We're pretty sure they're meant to go under your tights
23 of 4012th February 2006
Is that a bra? Or part of the dress? Either way it's not looking good
24 of 403rd April 2006
All dolled up for a night in Vegas. Except she's actually at the London premiere for Alien Autopsy
25 of 4021st May 2006
We can't say we've ever seen a whole roll of Sellotape put to such use before, but each to their own
26 of 409th June 2006
Deck shoes, a 90s style work shirt and a Mulberry = all a bit too try hard, Chezza
27 of 4012 June 2006
When Victoria Beckham invites you out to dins, it's probably best not to channel your inner teenage school hair 'do
28 of 4025th June 2006
What a classy look! Er, NOT
29 of 402nd July 2006
All white there, Cheryl?
30 of 4011th July 2006
You won't be floating on cloud nine in that bedsheet, love
31 of 407th September 2006
We can't imagine a more unflattering colour/material existing
32 of 409th October 2006
Now, Cheryl. It's not really acceptable to go around steeling children's hoodies is it?
33 of 4030th October 2006
Cheryl also wore this exact outfit to the Pride of Britain Awards in 2006 so it obviously wasn't a one-time style slip-up. Repeat offender!
34 of 4025th November 2006
Looking suspiciously like she's off to the prom for Kimberley Walsh's birthday party
35 of 409th December 2006
We didn't realise Chez was once an extra on Little Britain
36 of 4018th December 2006
We're not sure this is what power dressing shoule mean, Cheryl
37 of 403rd June 2007
Thank goodness this was a Girls Aloud private party. At least the majority of the world wasn't subjected to this atrocity
38 of 4016th September 2007
An old pair of nude tights is NEVER gonig to make a nice top
39 of 4021st November 2007
The glare from that frock seems to have scared everyone off
40 of 4010th December 2007
Definitely too sequined for school at the St Trinian's film premiere in London
“At the beginning of lockdown, Cheryl thought she’d be fine because she’s used to spending so much time hidden away by choice,” says an insider close to the singer, who’s been quaranting in her Buckinghamshire home. “But she’s now struggling and feeling really lonely – she’s really missing her friends, like Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts. As amazing as it’s been with Bear, it’s hard work and having nothing to plan or look forward to has really affected her. Bear, like any three year old, can be very demanding.”
As heat has reported, Cheryl, 36, and Liam, 26, decided it was too risky for Liam to travel from London to see his son, so he’s been keeping in touch via FaceTime instead. Earlier this month, Liam revealed, “Sometimes [Bear] wants to say hello and other times he doesn’t. The other day, he said, ‘We need you here now, Daddy.’ Bless him, it made me want to cry.”
Read more:
Jedward are in lockdown with American Pie's Tara Reid and, sorry, WHAT?
Liam’s also previously spoken of his pain and frustration at not seeing his son for two months now. But while the former One Direction singer – who’s currently dating model Maya Henry, 19 – has been doing his best to stay connected, we’re told it’s done nothing to ease Cheryl’s loneliness. And last week, he appeared to infuriate Cheryl more when he watched a clip of his 2008 X Factor audition for Esquire online and quipped, “Let’s address the elephant in the room… Obviously, the future mother of my son is sat in that chair.”
According to our source, Cheryl was not impressed by his comment, as she hates being reminded of their awkward history, as Liam was only 14 at the time. “It’s really embarrassing when it’s put in that context and it makes her cringe,” we’re told.
However, despite her feelings of frustration and loneliness, the source says Cheryl’s doing her best to focus on the bigger picture, and has promised “to make some big changes in her life” post-lockdown.
“She is going to be more social when this is over and make sure that Bear has a full life with lots of people in it,” says the insider. “She doesn’t want to live like a hermit any more.”
Read more in the latest issue of heat magazine - OUT NOW. Find out how to get your copy here.