Her stalker may have just been jailed for 16 weeks, but we’re told Cheryl is still living in fear and struggling to cope with the trauma. Last week, convicted killer Daniel Bannister was given a four-month sentence for breaching a restraining order after he turned up at the star’s home in December, leaving her feeling ‘distressed’ and ‘terrified’ for her and son Bear’s safety.
Now, sources tell heat Cheryl is in a state of high anxiety, as Bannister has already spent three months in prison on remand, meaning he could be released within weeks.
‘Cheryl feels like her world is closing in on her. It’s turning into a living nightmare,’ says our insider. ‘She’s living with the fear that Bannister could turn up at her home at any moment. Even though he’s in jail, she knows he could be released for time served, and after that, who knows what he’ll do? He’s already shown his disregard for any restraining orders.’
Bannister – who was convicted of manslaughter in 2012 – was initially handed a three-year restraining order, and was given a four-month prison sentence last September for targeting the Girls Aloud singer twice at her home last year. In January 2024, he turned up at the singer’s gate. Speaking through the intercom system, he said, ‘It’s Daniel, I’ve come to get Cheryl.’ He returned that July, reportedly ‘asking for a glass of wine’.
After the December incident Cheryl, who’s mum to eight-year-old Bear, told police, ‘I knew this was Daniel because I have had previous incidents where he has come to my property. I immediately panicked, and feared for my and my child’s safety. I was concerned he was looking for a way into the property. My son was due back from the cinema and I didn’t want him to see Daniel. I want to protect my child from any harm.’
Despite the restraining order being increased to permanent, our insider reveals the ordeal has been incredibly difficult for Cheryl, 41, particularly after the tragic death of Bear’s dad, her ex Liam Payne. The singer died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina last October, and Cheryl has called it an ‘indescribably painful’ time.
Now we’re told, ‘She’s increased security at her home, and is taking extra precautions when she’s out. She panics every time she walks out the door. She’s really struggling – it’s been so tough, as she’s been helping Bear cope with his dad’s death and is also dealing with her own emotions. She’s feeling so alone and lost, her family and friends are dreading Bannister being released. They can tell that Cheryl’s trying to keep a normal “mum face” on around Bear, but the slightest things can set her off.’
Sadly, the situation with Bannister is not Cheryl’s first experience of stalking. Most recently, she was forced to hire private security after being left shaken during her stint in West End show 2:22 A Ghost Story in 2023, when a man left her flowers with ‘disturbing and disgusting’ notes.
Now, as she navigates her current nightmare, we’re told Cheryl is getting support from her Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts – who went through her own ordeal with ex Carl Davies, after he stalked and threatened her. ‘Nicola has been a huge support,’ says our insider. ‘She has been in the same situation and understands the distress and fear from not feeling safe. And Kimberley’s always there with her kids if Cheryl just needs to hang out.’
Despite her fears, the source adds that Cheryl is determined to be strong for Bear. ‘Her priority is keeping things normal,’ we’re told. ‘She wants to maintain the secure life far away from the public eye that she built for Bear.
‘Of course, she’s scared right now, but she’s determined to be mentally strong for her son.’