Cheryl Tweedy arrived at a church in the Home Counties today to bid a final farewell to her former partner and One Direction star Liam Payne, who tragically passed away last month.
The singer entered through a concealed entrance at the back of the building to avoid press attention as she prepared to say goodbye to the father of her seven-year-old son Bear.
Payne’s coffin arrived in a white horse-drawn carriage, adorned with beautiful floral tributes, one of which spelled out “son”.
In a heartbreaking gesture towards his relationship with Bear, a second floral tribute read “daddy”.
The carriage was decorated with white roses, creating a poignant scene as mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 31-year-old star.
A hush fell over the crowd as Payne’s devoted family followed behind the hearse, with his parents Geoff and Karen standing solemnly beside the carriage before the coffin was carried into the church.
Harry Styles, 30, arrived at the service alongside James Corden, looking solemn in a black suit and tie with oversized sunglasses.
Fellow One Direction members Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik attended separately, marking what is believed to be their first reunion since their last concert in 2015.
Girls Aloud members Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh were among the first to arrive, showing support for their bandmate Tweedy.
Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, was accompanied by her friend Damian Hurley, 22, as she entered the church.
Simon Cowell, who formed One Direction on X Factor in 2010, attended with his partner Lauren Silverman.
Other notable attendees included Radio 2’s Scott Mills – who hit headlines yesterday as he was confirmed as Zoe Ball’s replacement on the station’s Breakfast Show – Marvin and Rochelle Humes, and Capital radio DJs Chris Stark, Jordan North and Sian Welby.
A touching floral tribute depicting bowling pins and a ball – referencing Payne’s favourite hobby – was displayed outside the church.
Tweedy and Payne began their relationship in 2016, welcoming their son Bear in 2017 before separating in 2018 after two years together.
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Despite their split, the pair maintained a close friendship, with Payne often praising Tweedy as “the world’s best mum” in interviews.
Following Payne’s death, Tweedy vowed to ensure their son Bear learns about his late father’s life and career as he grows older
In an emotional social media post, Tweedy stated that their son now has to “face the reality of never seeing his father again.”
Payne had previously spoken openly about fatherhood, sharing that he remained an involved parent despite his career commitments.
Payne tragically died on October 16 after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Three individuals have since been charged in connection with his death, with an investigation still ongoing.
The One Direction star had been in Argentina since September, where he had watched former bandmate Horan perform and visited his close friend Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores.
He had extended his stay in the country to renew his US visa when the tragedy occurred.
Following his death, One Direction released a joint statement expressing their devastation, saying: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.”
The band promised to share more “in time, and when everyone is able to.”