Liam Payne has revealed that the birth of his son Bear in 2017 'ruined' his relationship with Girls Aloud singer Cheryl 'for all the right reasons'.
The former One Direction star was just 23 when ex-Cheryl gave birth to their son, with Payne explaining he 'didn't know what was coming' during an episode of Logan Paul's Impaulsive podcast. He also noted how he struggled to come to terms with being a father.
Touching on his relationship breakdown with Geordie star Cheryl, he said: "To be honest with you, it ruined a relationship at that point – but for all the right reasons."
Read more: Dale Meeks' brother Phillip releases statement after 'outpouring of love' for late actor
The Mirror reports that praising his ex-lover, Liam dubbed Cheryl 'the best mum in the world' - citing how he couldn't have asked for anyone better to mother his child. He, however, revealed that it was scary when the tot was first welcomed into the world, with Cheryl having 'haemorrhaged quite badly' after the birth.
This led to her having to rest for much of Bear's first day on earth, leaving a young Liam to tend to his baby son alone. He added: "It was me and a baby in the room and I had to take care of it. It was fun."
But there was trouble in paradise for Liam and Cheryl just a year later, finally announcing that the pair were splitting up. In a joint statement at the time, the pair wrote: "We are sad to announce that we are going our separate ways. We still have so much love for each other as a family.
"Bear is our world and we ask that you respect his privacy as we navigate our way through this together."
Son Bear is now five years old, but his parents have never revealed his appearance to the world - opting to keep him out of the public spotlight. Discussing his relationship with his son, Liam added: "I take my son to school one or two times a week and it's the best thing.
"The relationship we [him and Cheryl] have now as friends has only grown more. We broke up for a reason and now she gives me full autonomy of my life and to do what I do and I know he's [Bear's] taken care of. He is all she cares about and I couldn't ask for more."
Speaking on the legacy that he wants to leave for his son, Liam confessed that his life is now all about Bear. He continued: "My life now is his. My money is his. I have several companies he can run if he wants one day or sell – but right now he's only five so we have a long way to go."
However, he's said that one of his biggest fears is if Bear wants to follow his parents into the entertainment business. Liam said: "The scariest thing for me is him waking up one day and saying, 'I want to be famous'.
"I've protected his face since he was young. I chose to be famous, well a singing career when I was 14... I know you can't pop the lid back on."
Read next:
