Cheryl Cole 'eased One Direction gang's tensions' at Liam Payne's funeral

Cheryl Cole eased tensions between Liam Payne's former One Direction bandmates following the star's funeral, reports have claimed. The ex-Girls Aloud singer was supported by her bandmates Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh at the intimate service on Wednesday (November 20).

The 41-year-old had been in a relationship with Liam between 2016 and 2018 and is mother to his son, Bear. The former One Direction stars have reportedly "drifted apart" in recent years.

But they put their differences aside to attend Liam's funeral, the Mirror reports. It was the first time the bandmates had reunited in almost a decade.

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Zayn Malik and the rest of his One Direction bandmates put their differences aside to attend the funeral, the first time the bandmates have reunited in almost one decade. The last time they gathered together, the lads cheered on Louis as he performed just days after his mother died - in more "absolutely tragic" circumstances.

They've since reportedly encountered difficulties and so 41-year-old Cheryl, who has been a huge support to Liam's parents, Geoff and Karen, and sisters, Nicola and Ruth, as they have started to come to terms with the devastating loss of Liam, was on hand to help the former bandmates on Wednesday, it is said.

After the wake, Cheryl is understood to have welcomed Liam's family and friends, including the 1D gang, into a circular marquee in the back garden of Liam's mansion near Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire. It seems Cheryl helped smooth things over here, hours after Liam was laid to rest.

An insider said: "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 boys have "drifted apart" in the years since then, according to the Daily Mail. Yet the mourners in the marque raised a glass to Liam and hugged each other as they celebrated his life on Wednesday, the publication says.

Friends say father and son bonded over a pair of life-sized dinosaurs – one grey and the other green –which Liam bought online a decade ago. It is understood these were also in the marque as Cheryl associated them with hope and fond memories.

Louis and Zayn were reportedly the closest to Liam, born and raised in Wolverhampton, West Midlands. A source told the Mail: "Louis and Zayn were such a support to Liam in the last few years. They are distraught."

And this emotion is reflected in a joint statement signed by "Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry" in the day after Liam's passing on October 16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Despite the challenges in the past decade or so, the gang left the poignant message, which read: "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."