But after giving two revealing interviews in just one week - where she spoke candidly about motherhood, fame and relationships and even waxing - Cheryl has performed a spectacular U-turn.
And insiders reveal no one is more confused or surprised than her ex, Liam Payne – who she shares 22-month-old Bear with, especially when she revealed her saucy secret with best friend, Kimberley Walsh, saying, "I snogged Kimberley once. It was a drunken night out, but still, I have a lot of explaining to do to Bear!"
A source told Closer: “Liam is baffled that Cheryl would be so open now, especially as she spent most of their relationship urging him not to talk about it or anything to do with Bear.
"When he saw the interviews he asked what was going on.
"She told him she wanted to give her fans who’ve supported her something back and is trying to be more open with them now. He told her was proud of her for trying something new and opening herself up a bit more.
"He knows exposing yourself in that way is scary and he's championing her for it.
"He always said she shouldn't be afraid to open up more to fans - and to tell them the truth."
In an interview published last week Cheryl, 35, confirmed Closer’s previous reports that she spent Christmas with her Liam and his family, but this marks a distinct turnaround in her behaviour.
Throughout her two-year relationship with Liam, sources told Closer she would be annoyed every time he revealed details about them including when he said Cheryl thought “she was massive” and that she had “no complaints” about the size of his manhood.
The former 1D star even admitted he’d get told off by Cheryl for revealing too much in interviews.
The source says, “Liam is pretty easy going but he’s still surprised that Cheryl could be so strict about him talking about their private life but then after they split she completely changes her tune.
"He’s just a bit perplexed but feels he’s now able to say more himself."