Their romantic relationship ended in 2016, but Cheryl and Liam Payne were bonded for life through their son Bear and the singer was said to be ‘devastated’ as she attended the One Direction star’s funeral yestersday.
It’s understood that Cheryl, who was supported by her Girls Alound bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, is ‘dreadfully sad’ over Liam’s death and is grappling with her own grief, while being strong for her seven-year-old son.
Looking to the future, she will be doing everything she can to ensure Bear never forget’s his father, but yetserday the focus was firmly on giving Liam a loving and dignified send off.
It’s believed that Cheryl helped Liam’s family to plan the funeral, and this was reflected in the choice of St Mary’s Church in Amersham for the service.
Taking to Facebook, Rev. Canon Tim Harper who used to work at St Mary’s, noted that the church has a strong reputation when it comes to hosting religious services for celebrities and public figures, including Elton John.
‘They need a big church, but absolute discretion before and after the service so they can do things personally and properly, and are duly grateful afterwards,’ he wrote.
Cheryl is ‘devastated’ over her former partner Liam Payne’s death and is coming to terms with the fact her seven-year-old son Bear will never see his father again
The singer, 41, attended Liam’s funeral at St Mary’s Church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire where she was supported by Girls Aloud bandmates Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh
Despite her sadness, Cheryl helped to plan the funeral, easing some of the family’s burden in the process (Cheryl and Liam pictured in 2018)
Cheryl walked behind her ex’s coffin following a poignant private service attended by family members and a host of stars from the world of music and sport.
Solemn in funeral black were Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan – the four men Liam had grown up alongside and with whom he shared his rise to stardom.
Liam died after falling 45ft to his death from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palmero Hotel in Argentina.
Last month, Cheryl paid tribute to Liam in an Instagram post and spoke of her ‘indescribable pain’ over telling Bear his father had passed away.
Her statement read: ‘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.
‘Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our seven year old son.
Liam and Cheryl share son Bear, who is now seven years old
The source said: ‘While she and Liam split a long time ago, they were bonded over their love of Bear’ (pictured in 2018)
The grieving mother has taken to Instagram to told of her anguish as she tries ‘navigate this earth shattering event’
‘A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.’
The pair initially crossed paths on the hit talent show in 2008, however it wasn’t until 2016 that their relationship began.
They made their official red carpet debut at Eva Longoria’s Global Gift Gala in Paris in that year, with Payne paying tribute to Cheryl with a tattoo of her eye on his arm.
On March 22, 2017, the Girls Aloud singer gave birth to their son Bear, previously writing to Instagram: ‘On Wednesday Liam and I became parents to an incredibly beautiful, healthy baby boy looking like a dream.’
However a year later in July, Cheryl and Liam announced their split.
Later on in her statement, Cheryl kindly requested for the public and media to ‘give Liam the little dignity he has left.’
She continued: ‘What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days.
‘It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in the future.
‘I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces.
A selfie of Liam Payne in Argentina before his sudden death at the age of 31
From left to right: One Direction members Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles in 2012
‘Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.
‘Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some piece.’
Following the mother-of-one’s statement, her best friends Kimberley and Nicola reposted it on their social media accounts alongside broken heart emojis.
The two friends have been supporting Cheryl since Liam’s passing, according to The Sun.
They further showed their support on Wednesday as they were among the first mourners to arrive at Liam’s funeral.