Meet Liam Payne's Ex And Son Bear's Mom, Cheryl As 9 YO Becomes Heir To USD 28 Million Estate

It's been almost two years since the beloved Liam Payne left the world on October 16, 2024. He was one of the most sought-after singers who rose to fame with the internationally acclaimed band, One Direction. Even after its unofficial disbandment, the five founding members enjoyed continued fame, with their fans showing love for their solo projects. Liam's death at 31 after a fatal fall from his balcony left his dedicated supporters heartbroken. The entire industry was in shock at the loss of the ace singer.

After Liam's death, a curiosity was sparked regarding who would inherit his massive USD 28 million estate. Recently, his 9-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, has been named his sole beneficiary. It led to an interest in the little one's mother and Liam Payne's ex-girlfriend, Cheryl Cole. Here's everything we know about her.

Who is Cheryl Cole? All on Liam Payne's ex and Bear Grey Payne's mom

Cheryl Cole is a British pop singer and television personality who is best known as the former girlfriend of the late One Direction member, Liam Payne. Some reports also address her as Cheryl Ann Tweedy. Cheryl was born on June 30, 1983 and is 42 years old as of June 2026. Her relationship with Liam made headlines because she was a decade older than he was. Cheryl first rose to fame in 2002 as a member of the UK girl group, Girls Aloud. She later established a successful solo music career and served as a high-profile judge on the reality talent show, The X Factor.

Talking about Cheryl's personal life, she was married twice to footballer, Ashley Cole and Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini. After her split with her second husband, she started dating Liam. Not much is known about her current whereabouts, as she largely stays out of the spotlight. Following Liam's death, she requested privacy, particularly for her son, Bear Grey Payne, to protect the little one from overwhelming media and public interest.

How did Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole's relationship start?

Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole's romantic relationship officially started in 2016, following her separation from her second husband, Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini. Although the duo met years earlier on The X Factor UK, there was nothing romantic between them at the time, as she was already a 24-year-old married woman and Liam was a 14-year-old teenager. Their first meeting took place when he auditioned for the show, and she was serving as a celebrity judge. During his performance, he cheekily winked at her, and she called him "really cute" and voted to send him through to the next round.

Two years later, Liam returned to The X Factor UK at 16. Cheryl was still a judge on the show when the historic moment took place, i.e., Liam was placed in the boy band One Direction. After years of crossing paths professionally, the duo reunited in December 2015 at The X Factor season finale, where One Direction performed. At that time, both Liam and Cheryl were single, as Liam had broken up with his childhood friend-turned-lover, Sophia Smith, and Cheryl was in the midst of divorcing her estranged husband, Jean-Bernard. Liam and Cheryl's relationship turned romantic shortly after their reunion.

Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole's relationship confirmation to embracing parenthood

In February 2016, Liam and Cheryl officially began dating and confirmed their relationship on Instagram. They made their joint red carpet debut in May 2016 while they attended the Global Gift Gala in Paris. At the event, she was honoured with the Global Gift Philanthropist Award. After a year of dating, on March 22, 2017, the former couple welcomed their only child, a son named Bear Grey Payne. Liam described the birth as his "favourite memory." Sharing that he loves making music for his son, Liam told PEOPLE:

"For me, I love making great music for my fans. But when you make something that your son loves, it's the best thing ever."

Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole split a year after the birth of their son

After two years of dating, Liam Payne announced in a July 2018 post that he and Cheryl Cole had broken up. Following their split, they remained on good terms and frequently praised each other's parenting skills in interviews. They did not disclose the reason for the breakup, but called it a "tough decision."

What are your thoughts on Liam Payne naming his and Cheryl Cole's child as the sole inheritor of his estate? Let us know.

Also Read: Belmont Cameli's GF, Raina Labelled 'Insecure' After Alleged Glaring At Him During FIFA World Cup Appearance

Photos Courtesy: Liam Payne/Instagram, Cheryl Cole/Instagram

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