Inside Liam Payne's private funeral as Cheryl had 'special role' and bandmates faced 'tension'

The world was left reeling from the tragic death of Liam Payne, with fans around the globe mourning the loss. His funeral, however, remained a private affair, attended only by his nearest and dearest.

The One Direction star, who died last month at just 31 years old, was laid to rest on Wednesday, November 20, in the Home Counties. Mourners included his former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik.

Liam's grief-stricken girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, was present at the private service, alongside Girls Aloud star Cheryl, the mother of his seven year old son Bear. While the details of the service were kept under wraps, some information has emerged, such as Cheryl's poignant contribution to the ceremony and reported "tension" among the 1D members, who came together for the first time in nearly a decade.

Zayn Malik rearranged his tour dates to attend Liam Payne's funeral with his One Direction colleagues. The recap of Liam Payne's funeral noted that the One Direction singer was laid to rest as his ex Cheryl was spotted among those in attendance.

Reports from Mail Online suggest there was tension between the four remaining band members as they said their goodbyes to Liam. Harry, aged 30, arrived first, in the company of actor James Corden, reports the Mirror US.

Niall, 31, was accompanied by his girlfriend Amelia Woolley, while Zayn, 31, and Louis, 32—who are believed to have been closest to Liam following the band's break—were seen deep in conversation, according to reports from the Mirror.

Harry left the service with James, while Zayn departed on his own. Niall was spotted exiting with Amelia, holding an order of service.

A source revealed to 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 played a significant role as she reportedly helped plan the ceremony with Liam's grieving parents, Geoff and Karen. The former X Factor judge has also vowed to make sure that little Bear always remembers his famous father.

Someone close to Liam's family said Cheryl was "devastated," noting: "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."

Cheryl has been dealing with immense grief following the tragic death of her ex-partner Liam, who is also the father of their son Bear. Despite parting ways after Bear's first birthday, the pair maintained a cordial relationship, with Liam even moving closer to Cheryl and their son.

Following his sudden passing, Cheryl issued a heartfelt 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."

She remembered Liam not just as a celebrity, but as "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 also expressed her worry about Bear's future exposure to the media coverage surrounding his father's death: "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."

Cheryl has issued a heartfelt appeal for compassion and respect: "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."

On October 16, in a tragic turn of events, Liam tragically lost his life after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, sending shockwaves among his loved ones and leaving a poignant token of his bond with his son Bear. The funeral for Liam was held at St Mary's church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, not far from where he used to live with Cheryl and their son during the earlier days of their union.

'I witnessed Liam Payne's final goodbye surrounded by deep affection' Members of One Direction were seen together at Liam Payne's funeral as Harry, Zayn, Louis, and Niall came together to pay their respects. Following their split, Liam was instrumental in helping Cheryl buy a family house for bringing up Bear, with her mother Joan as part of the household.

Liam's considerations for his son were apparent during the preparations of his service, which included intimate touches that highlighted their connection.

As reported by Mail Online, Liam had previously bought a pair of life-sized dinosaur figures as a quirky gift for himself. These dinosaurs became a bonding point between him and his son Bear.

Friends have reportedly said that having these figures in his garden "healed his inner child" while also bringing immense joy to his young son. In a touching tribute to their bond, the dinosaurs were present at the post-funeral gathering on Wednesday.