‘Proud of you!’: Liam Payne breaks silence on Cheryl split to praise singer on Instagram

The former One Direction star told fans he is in awe of his famous girlfriend
Loved up: Liam Payne and Cheryl
Michael Buckner/Variety/Rex
Emma Powell21 February 2018
The Weekender

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Liam Payne has finally broken his silence to praise Cheryl amid reports the pop star couple are on the verge of splitting.

Payne, 24, paid tribute to his girlfriend after she launched the new Prince's Trust and Cheryl’s Trust centre in Newcastle, a project she has been working on for seven years.

Commenting on a picture of Cheryl posing inside the centre, he wrote: “Very proud of you!! How you find the time to do this I’ll never know.

“Over many years you’ve put all this together and put your heart into such a great cause! I hope one day I can do the same.”

Paying tribute: Cheryl at her new centre in Newcastle
Instagram/ Cheryl

It comes hours after Cheryl addressed speculation of a split as she opened the centre on BBC Breakfast.

Asked if she gets “frustrated” by the interest in her relationship when she is trying to raise awareness for a good cause, she replied: “No, it doesn’t bother me at all because my focus is solely on this.

“I’ve waited seven years to be here. None of that matters. That’s what’s important to me.”

Reports that the former Girls Aloud singer is planning to call time on her relationship with Payne first circulated at the weekend.

Cheryl at Princes Trust Newcastle - In pictures

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Payne’s travelling is said to be the reason for the alleged strain in their relationship, with the singer spending most of the past six months on the road to promote his new music.

The former One Direction star is reportedly seeking legal advice from divorce lawyers on how to protect his £54 million fortune should they split, as well as allegedly discussing arrangements for their 11-month-old son, Bear.

A source told The Sun: “Liam has sought some legal advice but he still wants to make it work. It’s sensible to be prepared for all options.

“With a young son and a number of assets between them there is more to breaking up than just parting ways. He hopes it doesn’t come to it but he’s just being careful.”

Standard Online has contacted representatives for Payne and Cheryl for comment.

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