Cheryl has kept a low profile after the ‘earth shattering’ loss of her ex boyfriend Liam Payne, but now she may finally be ready to tell her story – on her terms
Cheryl has largely kept out of the limelight since losing Liam(Image: PA)
She was once the most photographed celebrity in the country, until she stepped away from the spotlight. Now, Cheryl could be about to reveal all as she has a “story to tell”.
Ever since her former boyfriend Liam Payne’s tragic death two years ago, the ex Girls Aloud singer has understandably kept a low profile – bar a few work projects. But that could all be set to change as the star is reportedly planning to release a behind the scenes documentary about her life in a major career move.
Between coping with the heartbreaking death of her former bandmate Sarah Harding; the loss of the only man who had ‘ever been faithful’ and a terrifying stalker ordeal that left her ‘on edge’ – Cheryl has been dealt cruel blows over the years.
In a statement released shortly after Liam’s passing, she called the loss of the father of her son Bear ‘earth shattering’ and pleaded with the public to give him “dignity” after his death.
But now, even as heartbreaking details continue to emerge about Liam’s tragedy, it seems Cheryl may be ready to tell her story on her own terms. Sources say she is considering a tell-all show that focuses on her early years and career successes as well as touching on her love life.
A source told The Sun: “Cheryl is incredibly picky about what she chooses to do these days and spends a lot of time on motherhood, but she feels like she has a story to tell.” They said there is no streamer for the project yet, but it could ignite a bidding war between Apple, Netflix and Amazon Prime.
According to PR expert Chad Teixeria, the timing of the rumoured doc speaks volumes. He tells The Mirror: “A lot of the time, celebrities wait until the initial wave of attention has passed before speaking because it gives them the chance to take back some control over the narrative instead of constantly reacting to headlines. If Cheryl feels ready, this could simply be the right moment to remind people of everything she’s achieved.”
The Fight For This Love singer would also reportedly have creative control over the project, after her ‘regrets’ over her 2012 documentary ‘Access All Areas’ following her on her first solo tour. The documentary was filmed by a friend to make sure the singer didn’t feel like there was a camera crew around, and she sometimes forgot she was being filmed. “I have since regretted this decision. The number of times I cringed watching it,” she revealed.
Cheryl’s career began on Popstars: The Rivals, the ITV talent show that birthed Girls Aloud. After breathtaking fame with the band, she went on to become a successful solo artist and X Factor judge before hitting pause on her music to focus on motherhood when her son Bear was born in 2017. She only took to the stage again in 2024 for the Girls Aloud reunion tour, in memory of her late bandmate Sarah.
“What makes this rumoured documentary particularly interesting is that it’s reportedly going to focus on Cheryl’s career rather than her private life,” PR guru Chad notes. “On one hand, that’s completely understandable because she has always kept her personal life closely guarded yet on the other, so much has happened over the past few years that audiences will inevitably be wondering whether those moments are acknowledged at all.
“If something as significant as Liam’s death isn’t mentioned in the documentary, then that omission could become almost as talked about as anything that is included. That doesn’t mean she owes anyone an explanation, but it does show how difficult it is for public figures to separate their professional story from the personal events that people already associate with them.”
Liam died aged 31 after falling 46ft from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, 2024. A toxicology report released after his death found that Liam had alcohol, cocaine and the powerful sedative Klonopin in his system at the time of his fatal fall.
After the tragedy, Cheryl took to social media to criticise the speculation around Liam’s death. Alongside a photo of Liam and Bear in bed, Cheryl wrote on Instagram: “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 urged fans: “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.”
After Liam’s passing, Bear was named the sole beneficiary of the late pop star’s $29m (£21.9m) estate. The filing is said to state that while some of the money can be used now, the majority of it will be held in a trust until Bear turns 18. Cheryl was reportedly named the administrator of the estate, after the singer died without leaving a will.
Since losing Liam, Cheryl has dipped her toe back into work projects including a high-profile Nivea beauty campaign. Rumours swirled last year that she might appear on The Voice when she was spotted having dinner with Will.i.am – a friend and mentor on the talent show. There were also whispers that the star might appear on Celebrity Traitors this year, but neither materialised.
Explaining why Cheryl may be considering a documentary now, Chad says: “Fly-on-the-wall documentaries have become one of the biggest tools for rebuilding or refreshing a public image because they make audiences feel like they’re getting access to the real person, and documentaries like the recent Katie Price one or even the Netflix ones on the Beckhams have been huge examples of this.
“However, people are far more likely to reconnect with someone when they feel they’re seeing them beyond the headlines and Cheryl could use this to build up more of a fan base. As a PR and brand expert, I’d say that a documentary like this isn’t really about fixing Cheryl’s reputation because she’s remained one of the UK’s most well-liked celebrities for many years now.
“It’s about reminding people of her own identity, her career and everything she’s achieved, rather than allowing recent events to become the defining chapter of her public story.”
The singer gave a rare glimpse into life with her son Bear back in April, sharing sweet snaps from a family getaway to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She called the trip an opportunity to “escape into my inner child,” posting on Instagram that “somewhere in the corners of the world magic still exists”.
The adorable post had fans taken aback with how tall nine-year-old Bear has grown. Among those leaving comments was Bear’s auntie Ruth Gibbins – Liam’s sister. Ruth replied with a handshake emoji and a joke about riding famous ride, Flight of Passage.
After seeing Ruth’s reply, followers quickly realised that Cheryl and Bear had been joined on their trip by Liam’s family members. Ruth had shared her own photos on Instagram, calling the journey to Orlando a “bittersweet trip”.
Ruth uploaded a number of images and while Cheryl wasn’t seen in them, the timings appeared to show they were there at the same time. Ruth wrote: “Orlando [hand shake emoji] Paynes! Bittersweet, healing and at times so heavy hearted walking around and being on my brother’s favourite rides in his favourite place without him.
“Ashton’s first time to Disneyworld and my little thrill seeker absolutely loved it, it’s basically in his genes to love Disney, so magical. Always in your honour Liam, you’d have loved this trip.”
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