Cheryl played a pivotal role in easing the tensions among the One Direction members following the emotional funeral of Liam Payne, according to reports. The singer, who was in a relationship with Liam from 2016 to 2018 and shares a son with him, attended the service in Buckinghamshire, alongside Liam’s family and close friends. Also present for support were her Girls Aloud bandmates, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh. This event marked a reunion for the former One Direction bandmates, who had not been together in nearly a decade.
The funeral, which took place on a somber Wednesday, brought together Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson to pay their respects to their late friend. While the bandmates’ bond had weakened over the years, with personal struggles and time apart, Cheryl was reportedly there to help smooth things over. Having been a close confidante to Liam’s family as they navigated this profound loss, Cheryl’s calming influence was crucial in helping the group reconnect in the wake of the funeral.
After the service, Cheryl is said to have hosted a gathering in a marquee at Liam’s mansion in Chalfont St Giles. The atmosphere, though heavy with grief, saw the mourners sharing memories and celebrating Liam’s life. Friends of Liam recalled how he bonded with his son Bear over a pair of life-sized dinosaurs, a connection that carried deep meaning and was present during the wake. Cheryl, who helped arrange the event, is believed to have made sure these items were included as symbols of Liam’s joyful spirit and the love he shared with his son.
Despite their years apart, the One Direction stars shared a heartfelt moment, raising a glass to their late friend. Though the members of the group had drifted in recent years, especially after the tragic losses experienced by Louis Tomlinson, their reunion in such a moment of sadness was a poignant reminder of their shared history. The last time they were all together was for the funeral of Louis’s mother, nearly eight years ago, and tensions between the group were reportedly still present.
Sources close to the group said that although the members have grown apart over the years, they all wanted to be there for Liam. Zayn Malik, in particular, was one of Liam’s closest friends, and his absence had been deeply felt. The day’s events seemed to provide the group with a bittersweet opportunity to reflect on their time together, paying their final respects to a friend and bandmate who had meant so much to them all.
