Former One Direction singer Liam Payne had fans concerned after he was rushed to hospital on more than one occasion in recent weeks due to a serious kidney infection, which forced him to cancel his upcoming tour in South America.
The 30-year-old had been on holiday with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy in Italy when he became unwell – with reports that his ex and mother to their son Cheryl Cole has been “beside herself” with worry following his dash to hospital.
It has now been revealed that although the couple, who met whilst Cheryl was a judge on the X Factor, are no longer together, they still share an agreement after welcoming their six-year-old son Bear Gray into the world back in 2017.
An insider has said that the pair agreed “family matters come first,” and have always remained close despite their separation which came just a year after they had their son, with Liam previously saying Cheryl is the “best mum.”
“Cheryl has been beside herself with worry over Liam’s health issues and feels she should be doing more for her son’s dad. She knows Liam so well, and they’ve long had an agreement that family matters come first, so that’s what Cheryl’s mindset is now,” the source said.
They told Closer Magazine: “Although they’re exes, they’ve always remained close. Liam is Bear’s dad, so her instinct has kicked in now and she wants to do all she can to help. Cheryl is worried things could escalate into something more serious, and she would never forgive herself if she looked back and thought she could have been more present and helpful.
“She wants her and Bear to temporarily move in with Liam in the hope that it will lift his spirits and get him on the road to recovery.” It comes after Kate provided fans with an update on Liam’s health, revealing: “He is doing so much better. He is out of the hospital and he is in good hands.”
Liam and Kate have now been dating for around 13 months. Cheryl had been in a relationship with Liam from 2016 to 2018 with him previously detailing that their split occurred due to the strain of having a child together.
Another insider reckons Cheryl “doesn’t want to step on anyone’s toes” by helping out, but is using her “mama bear instincts”. The former TV judge reportedly “knows Kate is probably doing her best” but “feels she has to be involved in this situation” due to him being the dad to their child.
Cheryl, who was previously married to Ashley Cole and Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, has been single since her split from Liam. Speaking back in 2021 about her relationship status, she admitted: “I am learning that I can be absolutely fine without anybody, just me by myself.”
Closer’s insider says Cheryl is “adamant” her relationship with Liam is “purely platonic” and that she just wants to “be there to look after him”. She has reportedly “assured her friends and family” that this is “not her trying to get back with him”.
The insider claims Cheryl says she isn’t trying to “push Kate out of the picture” but is “thinking of Bear” and wants Liam to “be on top form as a father”.
They added: “He’s only 30 and should be in his prime right now, which is why Cheryl wants to make sure he’s looking after himself. She can now see how serious things have been getting – which is why she feels it’s time to take matters into her own hands.”
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