Cheryl opens up about Liam Payne split and how their relationship is now

They split in 2018

Cheryl and Liam Payne

by Alex Ross |
Updated on

They were one of the most-talked about couples in showbiz when they announced they'd started dating in 2016, but Cheryl and One Direction singer Liam Payne's romance came to an end in 2018, with the pair announcing their split following the birth of baby Bear.

And now, just days after Cheryl teased new music online, The Greatest Dancer judge has opened up about the break-up for the first time, admitting she felt very 'low'.

Cheryl and Liam Payne
©Cheryl and Liam Payne © Getty Images

Speaking to Mail Online, Cheryl said, "I hate the lows... I hate the lows. It's kind of one of the things that makes us not want to get into a relationship. Nothing quite makes you feel like that, does it? Nothing else."

However, despite a number of fans thinking Cheryl's comeback single 'Love Made Me Do It'was about her ex Liam, the mum-of-one revealed a number of times that it wasn't, and now she's opened up further about where the pair's relationship is at now.

She told the publication, "There's no animosity whatsoever. We are learning all the time. And it's good, it's healthy.

"We're just like any other couple that have gone through this, but we have a few more eyes watching us... Just a few."

Check out Cheryl and Liam's full relationship timeline:

Gallery

RADIO Cheryl and Liam relationship timeline slider with cover pic

Cheryl and Liam1 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Shutterstock

Swipe through to see Cheryl and Liam Payne's complete relationship timeline...

Cheryl and Liam2 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/Shutterstock and Twitter

December 2015

During the final of The X Factor 2015, when Cheryl was a judge on the show, Liam was spotted dancing with the singer to Jason Derulo's track 'Talk Dirty To Me' after the show ended. Despite looking very friendly together, nobody suspected a relationship between the two.

Cheryl3 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

February 2016

Cheryl uploaded a photo of herself getting ready for The BRIT Awards in 2017, with Liam commenting on her photo with the cheeky caption, 'See you there babe!'.

Cheryl and Liam4 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/Shutterstock

February 2016

Despite rumours circulating that the pair could be dating, Cheryl and Liam walked the BRITs red carpet separately in 2016. Instead, Liam was joined by his former One Direction band mate Louis Tomlinson.

Cheryl and Liam5 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Twitter

February 2016

It's official! On the last day of February in 2016, Liam and Cheryl made their relationship public when Liam updated his social media photos to this cute snap.The singer also updated his social media bios to read, 'Happy'.

Cheryl and Liam6 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

March 2016

Cheryl and Liam went Instagram official when Liam uploaded this photo of the pair posing in the back of a car.

Cheryl7 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

March 2016

Liam sent 'Cheriam' fans into complete meltdown when he shared a photo of Cheryl to his social media accounts to celebrate International Women's Day.Alongside the photo, he wrote the cute caption of, 'Happy #internationalwomensday to my favourite woman in the world ud83dude18ud83dude18 hope I make you as happy as u make me X'. [sic]

Cheryl and Liam8 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/Shutterstock

March 2016

Cheryl and Liam made their first public appearance together in March 2016. Looking incredibly loved up, the pair enjoyed a meal together at a restaurant in London, with Cheryl sporting a massive necklace with the word 'love'.

Cheryl and Liam9 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/Shutterstock

April 2016

After only a few months of dating, Cheryl's friend and former X Factor boss Simon Cowell spoke about her romance with Liam.He said, "I saw them together and we had a really nice dinner [...] They were on good form. They're like two little chipmunks madly in love. Literally they were so cute. But importantly they both seemed very happy over here and very relaxed. I'm happy for them."

Cheryl and Liam10 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

July 2016

Cheryl and Liam moved in together, with Cheryl announcing the news with a funny message on Instagram. Sharing this photo of Liam with her beloved dog, she wrote, 'Our new family member ud83dudc36ud83dude01ud83dude0dud83dude2d he is beyond cute.. ud83dude29 the dog is adorable too ud83dude0f @toosmallforteacups thank you ❤ufe0f. [sic]

Cheryl and Liam11 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/Shutterstock

May 2016

Cheryl and Liam made their first ever red carpet appearance during the Global Gift Gala in Paris, France.Gazing into each other's eyes, the couple looked more loved up than ever.

Cheryl and Liam12 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

May 2016

Liam posted a selfie of the pair on a private jet travelling to France ahead of the Cannes Film Festival.

Cheryl Liam13 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

May 2016

The couple made their second red carpet appearance in just one month when they appeared at the Cannes Film Festival.Liam was supporting Cheryl who was attending the event as part of her brand ambassador role for L'Oreal.

Cheryl and Liam14 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/Shutterstock

October 2016

Cheryl's divorce from her ex-husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini was finalised, with the former couple being granted a 'quickie divorce'.

Cheryl15 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

September 2016

Rumours started in the press that Cheryl was pregnant with Liam's child after she was spotted with a 'fuller figure' at a L'Oreal event in Paris.

Liam Payne16 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

September 2016

Liam fueled the pregnancy rumours even further when he changed his Instagram bio to read, 'The luckiest man alive'. He then uploaded this cute photo of the pair wearing face masks, declaring how much he misses his girlfriend. He wrote, 'I miss you!...the things you make me doud83eudd13ud83dude0b home soon!'.

Liam and Cheryl17 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/Shutterstock

November 2016

After months of rumours surrounding her pregnancy, Cheryl and Liam seemed to confirm them when they stepped out hand-in-hand at the Fayre of St James' Christmas Concert in London.Cheryl made the decision to leave her long coat open as she 'showed off' her small baby bump to fans and press.

Cheryl18 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 L'Oreal

February 2017

It's official - Cheryl and Liam are having a baby! After not attending The BRIT Awards in 2017, Cheryl seemed to confirm her pregnancy once and for all when she posed in a photo holding her large bump for a new L'Oreal campaign.

Cheryl and Liam19 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

December 2016

Amidst all of the rumours, Cheryl and Liam posted some playful selfies to their social media accounts to celebrate their first ever Christmas together.

Liam and Cheryl20 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

March 2017

After months of speculation, Cheryl and Liam confirmed to the world that they've welcomed a baby boy called Bear Grey Payne.Revealing he was born on Wednesday 22nd March, Cheryl wrote, 'Liam and I became parents to an incredibly beautiful, healthy baby boy, weighing 7lb 9 and looking like a dream. Although he still doesn't have a name he is already stealing hearts. We are all madly in love and overwhelmingly happy with our little arrival. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers around the world. A day that now has a different meaning to me forever ud83dudc99'. [sic]

Liam Payne21 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

June 2017

Breaking her social media silence for the first time since welcoming baby Bear, Cheryl uploaded a snap of Liam to wish him a Happy Father's Day.She wrote, 'Happy 1st Father's Day Liam.. You are the most amazing daddy and the best example for our son. The way he looks at you says it all. Your relationship melts my heart. You are the centre of his world & We adore you ud83dudc3bud83cudf0eud83dudc99'.

Cheryl and Liam22 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

July 2017

After months of staying out of the public eye, Cheryl shared a cute photo of herself and Liam enjoying a date night without baby Bear.

Cheryl and Liam23 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

October 2017

As Liam started to release his debut solo music, including songs like 'Strip That Down', 'Get Low' and 'Bedroom Floor', Cheryl couldn't resist gushing about her man's handsome looks.Sharing this photo, Cheryl wrote, 'I had to .. I mean ud83dudc40 come onnnn ud83dude29ud83dude0d'.

Bear24 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

February 2018

After months of no social posts and no public appearances, fans started to think Liam and Cheryl were having relationship issues.That was until Liam posted this adorable photo of his son Bear to help wish Cheryl a Happy Valentine's Day. He wrote, 'Happy Valentine's Day @cherylofficial and everyone. looks like I've got the big guy to compete with now ud83eudd37ud83cudffb‍♂ufe0fud83dude02ud83dude02ud83dude02'.

Liam and Cheryl25 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

February 2018

Stories in the press suggested Liam and Cheryl's relationship had come to an end due to the pair's busy work schedules.

Cheryl26 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

February 2018

Cheryl sent fans into meltdown when she appeared to be wearing an engagement ring on her ring finger as she met Prince Charles.Representatives for the couple later explained Cheryl's choice of jewellery was simply 'costume jewellery'.

Liam and Cheryl27 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/ Shutterstock

February 2018

Shutting down split rumours, the couple attended The BRIT Awards 2018 together, putting on a very loved up display on the red carpet.

Liam and Cheryl28 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Twitter

February 2018

After certain news outlets claimed Cheryl and Liam's public display of affection at The BRIT Awards 2018 was a 'stunt', Cheryl angrily hit back on Twitter, calling it 'ludicrous and weird'.

Liam and Cheryl29 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 REX/ Shutterstock

May 2018

Liam spent a lot of time in America as he promoted his solo music, leaving Cheryl and Bear at home.

Liam and Cheryl30 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Instagram

June 2018

After not being seen together for four months, fans started to speculate a split when Liam failed to publicly address Cheryl's birthday on the 30th June.

Cheryl and Liam31 of 31
CREDIT: u00a9 Twitter

July 2018

After two years together, on Sunday 1st July both Cheryl and Liam announced they had split. Releasing a joint statement on Twitter, it 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.' [sic

After shocking the world with their romance in 2016, Cheryl and Liam went on to welcome their son Bear Grey Payne in March 2017, keeping the former X Factor judge's pregnancy as 'secret' as they could.

The pair then revealed they'd welcomed a baby boy in a cute post on Instagram, with Liam writing, 'My close friends and family know there are very few times when I'm left speechless... wow! I'm incredibly happy to welcome our new baby boy into the world, it's a moment that I will never forget for the rest of my life and my favourite memory I have so far.

'I'm completely in awe of his incredible mother and how she has been the whole way through this, she's really made my dreams come true. We haven't named him yet but he's already capturing hearts including mine. I feel very blessed.' [sic]

Despite putting on a loved-up display at the BRIT Awards in February 2018, Cheryl and Liam announced they'd split for good in July, releasing a joint statement.

It 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.'

Now, as Liam continues to work on his solo music, Cheryl is a dance captain on Simon Cowell's brand new show The Greatest Dancer.

The show, which started last Saturday, will run for eight weeks in an attempt to find Britain's 'greatest dancer', with Cheryl, Glee star Matthew Morrison and Strictly's Oti Mabuse as judges.

Find out everything you need to know about The Greatest Dancer right here.

NOW WATCH: Cheryl opens up about her comeback to music

If your favourite music icons are the Spice Girls and your favourite Ks are Kylie and the Kardashians, you need heat Radio in your life! heat Radio is portable, so you can listen to us on the move. Simply download our app from your phone’s app store or listen on DAB Digital Radio UK, on Freeview Channel 716 or online at heatradio.com and at heatworld.com. We’re on all the smart speakers too, just say “play heat Radio".

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us