According to a VERY reliable source, Liam Payne is all set to go in one direction…
… while long-time girlfriend Cheryl Cole goes in another.
Indeed, the gorgeous and adorable couple has ended its two-year romance, dealing quite a blow to fans who were expecting the singers to walk down the aisle at some point.
On Sunday, however, the 24-year-old artist shared the sad news on his Twitter page, writing:
“Cheryl and I are sad to announce that we are going our separate ways. It’s been a tough decision for us to make. We still have so much love for each other as a family.
“Bear is our world and we ask that you respect his privacy as we navigate our way through this together.”
Payne and Cole welcomed their son in March of last year.
Liam was also the person who confirmed this blessed event, posting a picture of him and his only child on social media, along with the following announcement:
“My close friends and family know there are very few times when I’m left speechless… wow!
“I’m incredibly happy to welcome our new baby boy into the world, it’s a moment that I will never forget for the rest of my life and my favourite memory I have so far.
“I’m completely in awe of his incredible mother and how she has been the whole way through this, she’s really made my dreams come true…
“I feel very blessed.”
After the birth of their son, many wondered when Cole and Payne would get married.
But wedding speculation turned into split speculation a few weeks ago.
In February, Cole was asked about rumors of a break-up with the her boyfriend while attending the opening of The Prince’s Trust Cheryl’s Trust Centre in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England.
When journalists asked if she was “frustrated” that such chatter could overshadow her charity campaign, the singer avoided the question.
She could have put an end to the rumors with a simple expression of love for Liam at the time.
Instead, Cole said this:
“Do I find it frustrating? No, it doesn’t bother me. My focus is solely on this, it’s taken seven years to get here and none of that matters. This is the most important part for me.”
So… what the heck happened?
We can’t say for certain.
A few outlets have alleged that Cole rejected Payne’s proposal earlier this year and the relationship has been doomed ever since.
The Sun, for example, writes that Payne has wanted to make the relationship official ever since becoming a father.
“Liam is smitten with his little boy and wants things to work between him and Cheryl, so thought talk of marriage was a positive step,” an insider has told this British publication, adding;
“She just doesn’t seem to be thinking in the same sort of way and has made it clear that’s not on the cards at the moment, which he saw as a real snub.”
Liam Payne cradled his newborn son in this precious photo.
We can imagine how awkward this would make any romance.
This same newspaper also explained that Payne may have wanted to marry Cole, but he also wanted to build a successful music career.
And this has kept the stars sort of far apart for awhile.
“The reality is his solo career has been very demanding on his time and Cheryl has spent a lot of time alone as a new mum,” writes The Sun, adding:
“That put pressure on her and the relationship and they drifted apart.”
Darn.
Neither Liam nor Cheryl talked much about their relationship in public during the two years they dated.
So we don’t expect to hear a lot from them now that it’s over.
We just wish each side the very best in all things personal and professional as they moved forward.