One Direction 'tension' to Cheryl's 'special role': Behind the scenes at Liam Payne's funeral
Liam Payne's funeral brought together his old One Direction bandmates for the first time in nine years, and sadly there was reportedly some lasting tension amid the grief
Liam Payne had fans all across the world, but his funeral was an intimate affair attended by those who knew him best.
The One Direction star, who died last month at the age of just 31, was laid to rest on Wednesday in Buckinghamshire, with former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik among the mourners.
Liam's heartbroken girlfriend Kate Cassidy was also in attendance at the private service, as was Girls Aloud icon Cheryl, the mother of Liam's seven-year-old son, Bear.
READ MORE: Liam Payne: One Direction stars' last reunion was also marred by absolutely tragic woe
READ MORE: Cheryl made heart-breaking final vow to ex Liam Payne at star's funeral
Although particulars of the service have been kept private, some details have since emerged, including Cheryl's special role in the ceremony and alleged 'tension' between the 1D bandmates, who were seen together for the first time in nine years.
One Direction 'tension'
According to Mail Online, sources say there was 'tension' between the four living bandmates as they said their personal goodbyes to Liam, with the group having navigated plenty of highs and lows in the past.
Harry, 30, was the first of the four to arrive, entering the church alongside actor James Corden, who he'd travelled with to the church. Then, Niall, 31, arrived with his girlfriend, Amelia Woolley. Zayn, 31, and Louis, 32, thought to have remained the closest to Liam in the years after One Direction's indefinite hiatus, were seen having a conversation.
Harry left the service with Gavin & Stacey star James, while Zayn was spotted leaving on his own. Niall left with Amelia, holding an order of service.
An insider told 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's important role
It's believed Cheryl, 41, helped to plan the ceremony alongside Liam's grieving parents, Geoff and Karen. The former X Factor judge has reportedly also vowed to make sure young Bear never forgets his famous father. A source close to Liam's family described Cheryl as 'devastated', sharing: "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."
Although she and Liam parted ways shortly after Bear's first birthday, Cheryl enjoyed an amicable relationship with her ex, who even moved to be closer to her and their son. In the days that followed his death, Cheryl issued the following heartbreaking 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.
"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 continued: "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.
"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."
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