The article from MailOnline offers an exclusive insight into Cheryl’s emotional journey following the devastating death of her ex-partner, Liam Payne. While their romantic relationship ended in 2018, Cheryl and Liam remained deeply connected through their son, Bear, and the bond they shared as co-parents. Liam’s tragic death has left Cheryl grappling with a profound sense of grief, as she tries to process the loss while also protecting her son. The singer was reportedly “devastated” when she attended Liam’s funeral on Wednesday, a private service attended by family members, close friends, and stars from the worlds of music and sport.
Cheryl is no stranger to grief, having faced personal losses earlier in her life that have shaped her emotional landscape. She tragically lost her childhood friend, John Courtney, in 2005 after he passed away from a heroin overdose. More recently, Cheryl experienced the painful death of her Girls Aloud bandmate, Sarah Harding, in 2021. Sarah’s passing at the age of 39 after a battle with breast cancer was another deeply painful moment for Cheryl, one that served as a reminder of how fragile life can be.
In the wake of Sarah’s death, Cheryl reflected on how the loss had forced her to shift her perspective on life. In a previous interview with MailOnline, Cheryl shared that conversations she had with Sarah before her passing had sparked a deeper appreciation for life. “A lot of conversations we had before she left really sparked a different perspective for me, and I’ll carry that,” Cheryl had said. The loss made her realize how important it is to live fully and with a deeper sense of love and gratitude. “She wasn’t ready to leave and I think, ‘well, I’m still here,'” Cheryl explained. “I’ve got the gift of life to still live, and I’ll do it with her in mind.” She described how grief shifted her heart, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and making her appreciate her loved ones more profoundly.
Sarah’s death also brought Cheryl closer to her Girls Aloud bandmates—Nicola Roberts, Nadine Coyle, and Kimberley Walsh—strengthening their bond and deepening their friendship. As they navigated the grief of losing a close friend, the women found themselves cherishing their connection more than ever. Cheryl explained, “With the loss and our age, we just appreciate and love each other so much more. We always have loved each other, obviously. But it’s just a different, there’s a different depth to it all now.”
These experiences with loss and grief seem to have profoundly shaped Cheryl’s outlook on life. In the case of Liam’s death, she is once again faced with the heartbreaking reality of saying goodbye to someone she once shared a life with. The fact that she and Liam shared a son has added another layer of complexity to her grief. While Cheryl and Liam’s relationship ended after the birth of their son, Bear, in 2017, they continued to co-parent and remained part of each other’s lives. Cheryl was reported to be “dreadfully sad” at Liam’s passing, yet she has also been focused on being strong for Bear, ensuring he is supported as he faces the difficult reality of losing his father.
Liam’s tragic death occurred after he fell from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Argentina, leading to an outpouring of grief from his friends, family, and fans. At his funeral, Cheryl walked behind his coffin, a solemn and poignant moment that demonstrated the deep connection they shared despite their separation. Friends and family were in attendance, and members of One Direction—Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan—were also present, marking the occasion with their own tributes to their friend and bandmate. In a sign of solidarity, Cheryl was supported by her Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, who stood by her as she navigated this intensely painful moment.
The article also highlights Cheryl’s role in organizing Liam’s funeral, with reports suggesting that she played a key role in helping to plan the service alongside Liam’s family. Despite the public nature of their former relationship, Cheryl focused on giving Liam a dignified and loving send-off, prioritizing what was best for Bear during this extremely challenging time.
In a heartfelt tribute to Liam posted on Instagram, Cheryl spoke about the “indescribable pain” of having to break the news of Liam’s passing to their seven-year-old son. “As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being,” Cheryl wrote. She went on to emphasize that Liam was not just a pop star or a celebrity, but a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend, and, most importantly, a father. Cheryl’s message poignantly reminded her followers of the deep personal loss that Bear, as well as Liam’s family, is experiencing. “A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again,” she wrote, capturing the heart-wrenching truth of the situation.
Cheryl’s grief is compounded by the fact that, like with Sarah Harding’s death, she is now tasked with explaining the loss of a parent to Bear. As a mother, her focus has been on shielding Bear from the complexities of the situation while still helping him understand the enormity of the loss. In the midst of her personal sadness, Cheryl’s priority remains her son’s well-being, ensuring he never forgets his father.
This tragic chapter in Cheryl’s life speaks to the complex emotions that come with grief—how it can bring people together, shift one’s perspective, and make one more resolute in the desire to live with love and purpose. While Cheryl has experienced tremendous loss, her strength as a mother and her ability to continue protecting and nurturing Bear through this difficult time is a testament t
o her resilience.
