Liam Payne and Cheryl were together for two years and share a son, Bear. The pair met on the show The X-Factor when he was 14-years-old and she was 24

Despite their split in 2018, Cheryl remained a significant figure in Liam Payne’s life, and a mysterious message seems to reveal the depth of his feelings for the mother of his child. The former One Direction member, who tragically passed away at 31 after a fall in Argentina, started dating Cheryl in 2016.

During their two-year relationship, they were one of the most high-profile and discussed couples in the entertainment industry. The pair welcomed their son Bear in 2017 and separated shortly after his first birthday.

Even though their personal relationship did not work out, they maintained mutual respect and commitment to raising Bear together. In fact, in 2019, Liam made a revealing comment about Cheryl, now 41, hinting at how the Girls Aloud star supported him when he needed it.

In the documentary, Ant Middleton and Liam Payne: Straight Talking, Liam commended his famous ex, calling her the “best mom.” He said, “She’s one of the most, if not the most, important people in my life.”

Without elaborating further, he added: “I’m lucky I have someone who understands what I’m going through,” reports the Mirror.

Cheryl first crossed paths with Liam when she was a judge on The X Factor and he was a 14-year-old hopeful. Unbeknownst to him, he would later become a member of one of the most successful boybands ever.

At that time, Cheryl, then 24, was married to footballer Ashley Cole and was known as Cheryl Cole. Fast forward a few years, when Cheryl was 32 and Liam was 22, their relationship took a romantic turn.

Despite the decade age difference, they shared a lot in common – both having experienced fame and fortune through popular TV talent shows. As a member of Girls Aloud, Cheryl also understood what it was like to be part of a hugely successful pop group from a young age.

She was just 19 when she auditioned for Popstars: The Rivals in 2002, a decision that made her a household name. In related news, Simon Cowell’s brother, Tony, recently claimed that Liam “never stopped loving” Cheryl after their breakup.

Liam Payne and Cheryl share a seven-year-old son named Bear ( Image: Getty Images Europe)
Speaking to Closer magazine, Tony said: “I feel for Cheryl, as I know Liam never stopped loving her, and Bear. It’s going to be so difficult for her. I can’t imagine her pain. Louis Walsh is devastated too. He told me, ‘Liam had this star quality about him. I will miss him.'”

The Mirror has previously approached Cheryl’s reps for further comment on this story.