Liam Payne had fans across the globe thanks to his musical talents, but his funeral was a private affair attended by close friends and family. The One Direction star, who tragically died in October at the age of 31, was laid to rest on Wednesday, November 20 in the Home Counties.
Former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik attended to pay their respects, reports the Mirror. Liam’s distraught girlfriend Kate Cassidy also attended the heartbreaking private service, as was Girls Aloud icon Cheryl, the mother of his seven-year-old son Bear.
Despite particulars of the service being kept quiet from the public, some details have since emerged, including Cheryl’s special role in the ceremony and alleged ‘tension’ between the 1D bandmates, who were seen together for the first time in nine years.
One Direction ‘tension’
According to Mail Online, sources claim there was ‘tension’ between the four living bandmates as they said their goodbyes to the star. In the past, the group have navigated plenty of highs and lows.
Harry, 30, was the first of the band to arrive, entering the church alongside James Corden, with whom he’d travelled to the church. Niall, 31, arrived second alongside his girlfriend Amelia Woolley.
Zayn, 31, and Louis, 32, who are believed to have remained the closest to Liam in the years after One Direction’s indefinite hiatus, were seen having a conversation. Harry left the service with Gavin & Stacey star James, whilst Zayn was seen leaving on his own and Niall leaving with Amelia, whilst clutching an order of service.
An insider told the Mail: “It is absolutely tragic that the band had to come back together at a funeral for one of their own. They were once so close, but like in any group, fallouts happen, people change, and there are often thousands of miles between them. But they all wanted to be there for their old friend.
“They have been devastated by Liam’s death. They were like brothers for their most formative years and shared so much history together. But coming face to face at such a tragic event must have been very difficult indeed.”
Cheryl’s important role
It’s thought Cheryl, 41, assisted in planning the ceremony with Liam’s grieving parents, Geoff and Karen. The former X-Factor judge has reportedly also vowed to ensure Bear never forgets his talented father.
A source close to Liam’s family described Cheryl as ‘devastated’, saying: “She has her own grief, but she also has a little boy who won’t see his daddy again, and that is just heartbreaking. While she and Liam split a long time ago, they were bonded over their love of Bear. Liam died in such a horrible way but the family wanted to remember him in the most perfect way possible.”
Despite them separating shortly after Bear’s first birthday, Cheryl and Liam were on amicable terms, with Liam even moving to be closer to her and their son. In the days following his death, Cheryl issued the following poignant statement: “As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.
“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity; he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”
She continued: “What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.
“I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them. Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last. Thank you, Cheryl.”
Liam died on October 16 after plunging from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in the Argentinian city of Buenos Aires.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.