Liam Payne takes ex Cheryl on 'secret getaway' for 38th birthday

The former couple have a great relationship

Author: Alex RossPublished 9th Jul 2021
Last updated 9th Jul 2021

Just weeks after former couple Cheryl and Liam Payne were photographed together for the first time in years, it's being reported that the former One Direction singer surprised his ex on a lovely trip away for her birthday.

The Girls Aloud singer, who turned 38 on 30th June, enjoyed a lovely little getaway that Liam organised to make her 'feel amazing'.

A source told Closer Magazine: "Liam wanted to do something really special this year to make her feel amazing and to spoil her, especially after so much single parenting during the lockdown, so he took her to a luxury spa retreat to unwind and be pampered.

"He took care of Bear while she enjoyed relaxation treatments and the three of them had some quality family time together, which made her feel very lucky."

Liam, who split from his fiancée Maya Henry earlier this year, has kept up a strong relationship with Cheryl as the pair continue to co-parent their son Bear Gray Payne.

Despite splitting in July 2018, Liam frequently praises the 'Call My Name' singer for her amazing parenting skills, with Liam admitting the former couple are 'closer than ever' a few months back.

Speaking during an interview with Glamour, the 'Strip That Down' singer gushed: "Cheryl is literally the best person to co-parent with. No stress involved. It's very, very relaxed, and we spend a lot of time on FaceTime.

"And it's been really lovely, and I'm closer to them than I've ever been before, actually, which is really, really nice.

"But bedtime FaceTime can go really well sometimes. Or I bought him some toys yesterday that I showed them on the FaceTime and it was like I had to go and travel over and hand the toys over the fence!"

Check out Cheryl's amazing looks throughout the years:

2002 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 19

Cheryl Tweedy made her debut with pop band Girls Aloud in November 2002, while rocking the crazy noughties Fashion Trends.

2003 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 20

Cheryl (Tweedy) in her Girls Aloud days sporting the tomboy style tracks and sneakers.

2003 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 20

Cheryl as part of Girls Aloud.

2004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21

Cheryl slaying it in the tomboy baggy jeans and sneakers. And of cause the matching belt, top and earrings. And no outfit is complete 'till the pink sunnies come out.

2004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21

Who else would look this good sitting in a chair on stage performing on stage in quarters and flip flops?

2004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21

Ah yes, the not-so-invisible invisible bra straps that we all wore, especially with our little boob-tube tops.

2004 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 21

The LBB tasseled dress with heels that we all of 3cm high.

2005 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 22

With low cut jeans and crop top tees talking over fashion, Cheryl sure rocked this style!

2005 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 22

Looking back on fashion, early naughties were an absolute shocker! That dark brown, not quite maxi, not quite knee length skirt with pointed shoes did not do the mint green satin corset any favours. We still love you, though, Cheryl!

2005 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 22

Our girl Cheryl looking so happy, but oh dear! Looks like Girls Aloud girls were celebrating October fest... in July.

2005 Cheryl Tweedy- Age 22

That a lot of pink! The Girls Aloud group performed for the T4 Poll Winters' Party Smash Hits show.

2006 Cheryl Tweedy - Age 23

Cheryl arriving at the 2006 Alien Autopsy Premiere in an elegant evening coral dress, with a simple peep toe heel and shawl.

2006 Cheryl Cole - Age 23

YES! The highlight days! Still beautiful as ever in that champagne silk wrap dress with ex-hubby Ashley Cole.

2006 Cheryl Cole - Age 23

Cheryl means business at the movie premiere of 'It's A Boy Girl Thing' in support of Elton John's AIDS Foundation.

2007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24

Back to her dark shoulder length locks, Cheryl poses for Girls Aloud's new single 'Sexy! No No No'. With the pain white sleeved low cut top, Cheryl teases us with that little smirk!

2007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24

With her square cut dead straight locks, Cheryl plays the Sexy Librarian quite well! With that neutral lippy, giving just enough colour and her see through tank, we say YES to this look at the London Fashion week in '07.

2007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24

Cheryl appeared in style to the 2007 Samsung Launch for their new F20 Purple phone along side her girl squad. Dressed it a navy blue, knee length, body-con dress, she absolutely killed this entrance! Loving the neck line on this one, Cheryl.

2007 Cheryl Cole - Age 24

This stunner continues to stun us in a floor length sequined high neck dress at the 2007 British Red Cross Ball.

2008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25

Arriving at the '08 Brit Awards, Cheryl sure stood out in that yellow piece and barbie pink lip colour, but WOW does that work! STUNNING!

2008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25

Cheryl looked like she was in her element while walking the runway for the Fashion for Relief show during the London Fashion Week in '08. With a smile like that she definitely deserves the tiara!

2008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25

Cheryl wore quite the statement piece to the Girls Aloud Book Signing in '08. Making sure she gabbed the eyes of fellow fans, the yellow and black tiger stripped dress entrusted with that bright pink belt aught to do it!

2008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25

Cheryl Arriving at the National Television Awards wearing a a shoulder fall gown, with a pop of green down the bottom. This pin up hairstyle with the patterned chest and neck line is a win for sure!

2008 Cheryl Cole - Age 25

It be safe to say that by now, Cheryl has become a pro at making entrances. With the full head of long full locks and that killer smile, Cheryl was sure to turn heads as she entered the Music Industry Trusts' Awards in '08.

2009 Cheryl Cole - Age 26

From her music video 'Parachute' in 2009, Cheryl met Derek Hough and, although the pair didn't last, they sure look like they mean business. Especially in that dramatic layered black dress!

2009 Cheryl Cole - Age 26

Once again slaying at another entrance, Cheryl stuns us by showing off her long toned legs in this white textured a line mini dress.

2009 Cheryl Cole - Age 26

Cheryl sure showed us how she burlesques' while performing at the 2009 Brit awards.

2010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27

Cheryl with X Factor co-hosts after taking out the award for Most Popular Talent Show in 2010.

2010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27

Giving Tom Cruise a run for his money in these Aviators, Cheryl is looking hot as coming down those stairs at the 2010 Brit Awards!

2010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27

Cheryl rocks super skinny white wash denim jeans with a leather sleepless jacket looking absolutely fab!

2010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27

Cheryl performing songs from her first album as a solo artist at the opening of the Black Eyed Peas Concert in Dublin.

2010 Cheryl Cole - Age 27

Oh Yes! Cheryl giving us a it of a tease with the super high leg split in a simple-statement white dress arriving at the Annual Cannes Film Festival in '10. Love Love Love.

2011 Cheryl - Age 27

Sometimes simple is better, and Cheryl sure looked red hot arriving at the ELLE Style Awards in 2011.

2011 Cheryl- 28th Birthday

Celebrating in style on her 28th Birthday! This layered dress with a matching neckline, Cheryl surely out-dressed anyone and everyone at her bash, and so she should!

2011 Cheryl - Age 28

Cheryl nailed this colourful outfit at The X Factor.

2012 Cheryl- Age 28

Like the fiery star she is, Cheryl paired this number well with the all red accessories as she walked the red carpet!

2012 Cheryl - Age 28

Ah!! Those dimples! Who would fall involve with that.

2012 Cheryl -Age 28

Cheryl showed off her physique in this two-piece set, with sparkle finishings.

2013 Cheryl - Age 29

2013 saw the reunion of the Girls Aloud on their 'The Hits Tour 2013'.

2014 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 30

If anyone knows how to rock a Red Carpet, its Cheryl!

2014 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 30

Loving this more casual side of Cheryl. The tasseled jacked is a huge plus!

2015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31

Mid 2015, Cheryl posted a pic on her Insta wearing a 'MillyByMichelle' two piece. This flattering piece brings back memories of Yves Saint Laurent fall-winter collection in 1965 he the striped and blocked colours.

2015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31

Love this quirky do up and thigh high peep-toed leather boots. Right the way down to the black trimming on those winged sunnies.

2015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31

Forever turning heads, this lace tatted trail gown is just WOW!

2015 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - Age 31

Paired with super high thigh high boots, this floral black mesh number is sexy, hot, diva-like and we like!

2016 Cheryl - Age 32

This sequinned striped jumpsuit just screams powerful and successful!

2016 Cheryl - Age 32

A more darker side to Cheryl, the perfect number for the Vogue 100 Gala Dinner in '16.

2016 Cheryl - Age 33

Mum-to-be Cheryl sure has a glow to her smile at the Gold Obsession Party in 2016 where she would have been around 4 months pregnant at the time with Bear!

2017 Cheryl - Age 34

At the #GAME4GRENFELL charity event, Cheryl looked super casual and super hot all at once. Red lips to match those red high waist A-line trousers.

2017 Cheryl - Age 34

In October of 2017, the mum of one walked the runway during the Le Defile L'Oreal Paris for the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2018 collection.

2018 Cheryl - Aged 34

Putting rumours of a split behind them, Cheryl walked the red carpet at the BRIT Awards in a stunning LBD, accompanied by her then-boyfriend Liam Payne.

2018 Cheryl - Aged 35

As she promoted her brand new single 'Love Made Me Do It' in November 2018, Cheryl rocked a new darker hair-do.

2019 Cheryl - Aged 35

The former X Factor judge debuted another new look at the launch of new BBC show The Greatest Dancer in early 2019.

2019 Cheryl - Aged 35

The Geordie princess decided to lighten her hair a bit in March 2019, oozing glamour at an awards show.

2019 Cheryl - Aged 36

Following her birthday it appeared that Cheryl went even lighter on her hair.

2019 Cheryl - Aged 36

A few weeks later and she walked down the runway for "Le Defile L'Oreal Paris" Show during Paris Fashion Week with darker hair. Well it looks darker but that could be the products on her hair...

2019 Cheryl - Aged 36

Fast forward a few months and Cheryl stepped out with slightly shorter hair - maybe she took out any extensions?

2020 Cheryl - Aged 36

Speaking of extensions it looks like Chez wore some during The Greatest Dancer event at the beginning of 2020. We're loving her hair colour though.

2021 Cheryl - Aged 37

Following a year out of the spotlight, Cheryl delighted her fans in June 2021, sharing this selfie to her Instagram page. The singer looked radiant as she smiled into the camera, showing off her famous luscious long locks.

2022 Cheryl - Aged 38

Just one month before her 39th birthday, Cheryl shared this snap of herself to her Instagram page, showing off her youthful looks and amazing skin.

2022 Cheryl - Aged 39

Following Sarah Harding's sad passing in 2021, Cheryl, along with Girls Aloud stars Nicola Roberts, Kimberley Walsh, and Nadine Coyle, organised a fundraising gala called The Primrose Ball in her memory.


Cheryl wore a stunning black ball gown to the event, wearing her luscious brunette locks off up and off her shoulders.

2023: Cheryl - Aged 40

As she celebrated her 40th birthday in June, Cheryl stopped to take photos with fans, looking amazing in a white trouser suit and black sunglasses.

2024: Cheryl - Aged 40

As Girls Aloud prepare for their 2024 reunion tour, Cheryl showed off her stunning new hairstyle during promo in February 2024. Sporting a huge fringe, Chez looks amazing!

Meanwhile, after taking a year off social media, Cheryl delighted her fans last month by making her comeback, posting a stunning selfie.

Weeks later the former X Factor judge posted a snap of herself holding a tiny birthday cake, thanking fans for their lovely birthday wishes. She wrote: 'Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes, I had the loveliest day 💓💫🙏🏼✨'. (sic)

Now read:

Cheryl: Everything you need to know about the Girls Aloud singer

Liam Payne confirms SPLIT from Maya Henry months after engagement

Bear Grey Payne: Everything we know about Liam Payne and Cheryl Tweedy's son

How to listen to Northsound 1:

For great music, brilliant banter and incredible competitions tune into Northsound 1 on 96.9, 97.6 or 103.0 FM, online, on our Northsound app, your DAB digital radio, or say ‘Play Northsound 1’ on your Smart Speaker. We give you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years.