Cheryl 'smoothed things over' between One Direction gang after Liam Payne's funeral

Cheryl reportedly helped soothe the rift between the former members of One Direction at Liam Payne's funeral, according to claims made today. The star, who was romantically involved with Liam from 2016 to 2018 and shares a son with him, was joined by her Girls Aloud bandmates Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh at the small service on Wednesday.

Zayn Malik and his fellow One Direction colleagues managed to set aside past conflicts and came together for the first time in nearly ten years to attend the funeral. The last occasion they were united was when they supported Louis during his performance shortly after his mother's passing—a time marked by "absolutely tragic" events.

Since then, the group has experienced tensions, but Cheryl, aged 41, has been a strong support to Liam's parents Geoff and Karen, as well as his sisters Nicola and Ruth, while they grapple with their terrible loss. It is reported that following the wake, Cheryl welcomed Liam's loved ones including the One Direction boys, into a circular marquee situated in the backyard of Liam's Buckinghamshire manor house near Chalfont St Giles; seemingly playing a key role in easing the atmosphere hours after Liam had been buried.

An insider revealed: "Of course, they all wanted to be there, they shared so much with Liam. But that doesn't mean they are best friends any more. They haven't worked together for almost ten years – they have grown apart. In fact, the last time they all met up, it was because Simon Cowell insisted they did after Louis's mum died, and that was eight years ago."

The Daily Mail reports that although the boys have "drifted apart" over the years, at the gathering in the marquee, individuals honoured Liam, with attendees embracing and toasting to his memory this past Wednesday. Father and son are said to have shared a unique bond through a set of life-sized dinosaurs, one grey and the other green, which Liam had bought online ten years earlier; these apparently held significance inside the marquee, invoking a sense of hope and cherished recollections, according to Cheryl, reports the Mirror.

Closer ties were reportedly maintained with Liam by Louis and Zayn, who hails from Wolverhampton, West Midlands. A source informed the Mail, "Louis and Zayn were such a support to Liam in the last few years. They are distraught."

Echoing their sorrow, a joint statement issued by "Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry" the day following Liam's passing on October 16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, conveyed a heartfelt sentiment: "In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say."

"But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured for ever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam."