One Direction performed at the X Factor final in December of 2015 which is reportedly where Cole and Payne met each other once again. At the time, Cheryl was married to her second husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini. 2016 - Cheryl splits from second husband amid Liam Payne rumours and couple confirm relationship

Liam Payne, who died on Oct. 16, shared his 7-year-old son, Bear, with his ex, singer Cheryl Cole. The former couple welcomed their child in March 2017, and had dated for two years before they called it quits in July 2018.

It is understood that Payne was dating Kate Cassidy at the time of his death, thepair having been together since October 2022. He had also dated the model Maya Henry but is perhaps best remembered for his time with another singer, Cheryl – who now goes by her maiden name, Cheryl Tweedy.