Cheryl Cole's first words to 14

Liam Payne, who first auditioned for The X Factor at 14, caught the attention of judge Cheryl Cole with his rendition of "Fly Me To The Moon". Despite a significant age difference of 10 years, Cheryl expressed her admiration, calling him "really cute" during their first interaction. Their relationship blossomed over the years, culminating in the birth of their son, Bear, in March 2017. However, after two and a half years together, the couple announced their split in 2018. Despite the breakup, they maintained a strong friendship focused on co-parenting Bear, with both prioritizing his well-being. Liam noted that Cheryl remains devoted to their son, and they continue to live close to one another, demonstrating a commitment to effective co-parenting. Their relationship has understandably been a topic of interest, especially given how their initial connection began on a popular talent show, making their journey notably public. The couple's story reflects the complexities of relationships in the public eye and the challenges faced when transitioning from romantic partners to effective co-parents.