Cheryl says final farewell to Liam Payne: Singer attends private church service for her ex along with Harry Styles, his One Direction bandmates and a host of stars…See more

Cheryl has bid an emotional final goodbye to Liam Payne – the father of her seven-year-old son – as he was laid to rest in a private service following his tragic death at the age of just 31. 

The former Girls Aloud singer, 41, walked behind her ex’s coffin following a poignant ceremony attended by family members and a host of stars from the world of music and sport.

Harry Styles, 30, joined fellow members of One Direction Niall Horan, 31, Zayn Malik, 31, and Louis Tomlinson, 32, to celebrate the life of their beloved former bandmate. They have described themselves as ‘completely devastated’.

Simon Cowell, who created One Direction, embraced Payne’s parents Geoff and Karen as they left the church, while Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, was comforted by her friend Damian Hurley, 22.

Cheryl was in a relationship with Payne between 2016 and 2018 and they share a son, Bear. She was supported at the service by fellow Girls Aloud members Nicola Roberts, 39, and Kimberley Walsh, 43.

Joining them were the likes of new Radio 2 Breakfast DJ Scott Mills, James Corden and Marvin and Rochelle Humes – who passed floral displays showing bowling pins and a ball in a touching tribute to Payne’s love of bowling.

Cheryl leaving the church following an emotional ceremony attended by family members and a host of stars

Cheryl leaving the church following an emotional ceremony attended by family members and a host of stars

Cheryl was in a relationship with Payne between 2016 and 2018 and they share a son, Bear

Cheryl was in a relationship with Payne between 2016 and 2018 and they share a son, Bear

Harry Styles leaves the service, which was also attended by his former One Direction bandmates

Harry Styles leaves the service, which was also attended by his former One Direction bandmates

The star left the church and stepped into a waiting car, which drove him off

The star left the church and stepped into a waiting car, which drove him off

Niall Horan was accompanied by Amelia Woolley, his girlfriend of four years

Niall Horan was accompanied by Amelia Woolley, his girlfriend of four years

Louis Tomlinson leaves the church holding an order of service

Louis Tomlinson leaves the church holding an order of service

Zayn Malik, who wore a black jacket, jack shirt and dark sunglasses, walks through the churchyard after the service concluded

Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, was comforted by her friend Damian Hurley, 22

Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, was comforted by her friend Damian Hurley, 22

Kimberley Walsh, a former member of Girls Aloud, leaves through the churchyard

Kimberley Walsh, a former member of Girls Aloud, leaves through the churchyard

Payne's coffin is carried out of the church by pallbearers following the service

Payne’s coffin is carried out of the church by pallbearers following the service

It was then placed into a waiting hearse. The service is being followed by a private wake

It was then placed into a waiting hearse. The service is being followed by a private wake

Payne, pictured in Dubai last year, died aged 31 on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires

Payne, pictured in Dubai last year, died aged 31 on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires

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A horse-drawn carriage carried the dark blue coffin with silver handles and topped with white roses to the service.

On top of the carriage, there was a red floral tribute which said ‘son’ and a blue tribute which said ‘daddy’.

Following the service, his coffin was carried outside and placed inside a black Jaguar hearse.

Other celebrities who attended the service included Capital radio DJs Chris Stark, Jordan North and Sian Welby, who all arrived together.

Scott Mills

Former professional footballer Robbie Keane and broadcaster Adrian Chiles were also amongst the mourners gathering to pay their last respects.

Niall Horan and his girlfriend Amelia Woolley were dropped off by a black Range Rover and went straight into the church, while Harry Styles was accompanied by actor and presenter James Corden.

JLS star Marvin Humes wore a long back coat, black trousers and black gloves while Rochelle also donned a long coat with cape detailing.

The funeral’s location had been a closely guarded secret, and local residents only realised it was taking place when ‘no parking’ signs were erected around the church.

A handful of locals and fans gathered outside the church to pay their final respects.

Styles and James Corden following the service, which was attended by friends and family

Styles and James Corden following the service, which was attended by friends and family

Niall Horan leaving through the churchyard with his girlfriend

Niall Horan leaving through the churchyard with his girlfriend

Nicola Roberts, who was previously in Girls Aloud with Cheryl

Nicola Roberts, who was previously in Girls Aloud with Cheryl

Tara Lloyd, 20, a hospital ward hostess, said: ‘He was a great guy, Liam Payne. The way he passed away was very sudden – I was very shocked and at first I was a little bit in denial.

‘Growing up, I was a massive fan of One Direction, so I almost felt like a little piece of the child in me was gone.’

Cleaner Alicia Salisbury, 32, who had travelled from London, called him ‘a legend’ and described One Direction as ‘the biggest boy band of all time.’

‘Plus solo artist, dancer, actor, you can’t really beat that. What a career he had,’ she added, referring to Payne.

‘He’ll always hold a special place in everyone’s heart’, she added.

Heidi Camp, 33, who lives nearly, said: ‘Of all the places in England, it’s quite an honour that his family has chosen to do this here.’

She said she first became a fan of Liam Payne when he appeared as a solo auditionee in The X Factor in 2010, just before One Direction was formed.

‘I remember Simon Cowell putting them together and I loved them – I did not think for a second they’d be as big as they became. Liam was great – they’re all great boys.’

Liam Payne's former One Direction bandmate Harry Styles arrives at his funeral today

Liam Payne’s former One Direction bandmate Harry Styles arrives at his funeral today

Louis Tomlinson was seen talking to mourners before walking into the service

Louis Tomlinson was seen talking to mourners before walking into the service

Niall Horan and his girlfriend Amelia Woolley were dropped off by a black Range Rover and went straight into the church

Niall Horan and his girlfriend Amelia Woolley were dropped off by a black Range Rover and went straight into the church

Zayn Malik wore a black velvet jacket and sunglasses as he stepped inside the church

Zayn Malik wore a black velvet jacket and sunglasses as he stepped inside the church

Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, arriving at the church for the singer's funeral today alongside Damian Hurley, 22

Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, arriving at the church for the singer’s funeral today alongside Damian Hurley, 22

Simon Cowell accompanied by his girlfriend, Lauren Silverman

Kimberley Walsh, 43, was among the first celebrities to arrive outside the church

Kimberley Walsh, 43, was among the first celebrities to arrive outside the church

Singer Nicola Roberts, 39, hugs a fellow mourner before the funeral this afternoon

Singer Nicola Roberts, 39, hugs a fellow mourner before the funeral this afternoon

Payne's coffin draws up outside the flint-napped church on a bright but cold day in the Home Counties

Payne’s coffin draws up outside the flint-napped church on a bright but cold day in the Home Counties

Payne's father Geoff outside the front door of the church as he waits for the hearse to arrive

Payne’s father Geoff outside the front door of the church as he waits for the hearse to arrive

The singer's parents both watched as their son's coffin was brought into the building

The singer’s parents both watched as their son’s coffin was brought into the building

Cheryl Cole will be attending the One Direction star's funeral today. She's seen earlier this year

Cheryl Cole will be attending the One Direction star’s funeral today. She’s seen earlier this year

Payne travelled to Argentina in September where he watched former bandmate Niall Horan perform and also saw his close friend Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores. He had extended his stay to renew his visa to live in the US when the tragedy occurred.

In a joint statement released following Payne’s death, Tomlinson, Malik, Horan, and Styles said they were ‘completely devastated.’

‘In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say,’ they said.

‘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 forever. 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 – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.’

Tomlinson, Styles and Malik all later released separate tributes.

Styles wrote on Instagram that he was ‘truly devastated’ and will ‘miss him always’.

‘His greatest joy was making other people happy and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.

Scott Mills, who was yesterday revealed as the new host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, walks past a floral display showing bowling pins and a ball. This is a nod to Payne's love of bowling, which Ms Cassidy said he did four times a week

Scott Mills, who was yesterday revealed as the new host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, walks past a floral display showing bowling pins and a ball. This is a nod to Payne’s love of bowling, which Ms Cassidy said he did four times a week

James Corden accompanied Styles into the church on a bright but cold day

James Corden accompanied Styles into the church on a bright but cold day

Marvin and Rochelle Humes were also in attendance, and are seen here chatting to fellow mourners

Marvin and Rochelle Humes were also in attendance, and are seen here chatting to fellow mourners

Robbie Keane arrives at Payne's funeral, the location of which was not revealed beforehand

Robbie Keane arrives at Payne’s funeral, the location of which was not revealed beforehand

Harry Styles wore a black jacket, a black tie and sunglasses. He is seen shortly after getting out of his car

Harry Styles wore a black jacket, a black tie and sunglasses. He is seen shortly after getting out of his car

The singer got out of a black car before making his way towards the church

The singer got out of a black car before making his way towards the church

A small crowd of local people gathered outside the church as mourners, including Styles, walked in

A small crowd of local people gathered outside the church as mourners, including Styles, walked in

The hearse was pulled through the streets by two white horses with plumes of feathers

The hearse was pulled through the streets by two white horses with plumes of feathers

Pallbearers carrying Payne's coffin into the churchyard for his funeral this afternoon

Pallbearers carrying Payne’s coffin into the churchyard for his funeral this afternoon

The service has not been opened to the public, with only family and friends in attendance

The service has not been opened to the public, with only family and friends in attendance

A floral tribute reading 'Daddy'. Payne shared a seven-year-old son with his ex girlfriend, Cheryl Tweedy

A floral tribute reading ‘Daddy’. Payne shared a seven-year-old son with his ex girlfriend, Cheryl Tweedy

‘Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.

‘He was warm, supportive and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.

‘My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew him and loved him, as I did.’

Tomlinson said in a separate emotional tribute that he was ‘really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye’.

Niall Horan is greeted as he walks into the church past security guards

Niall Horan is greeted as he walks into the church past security guards

Tomlinson and Malik walk past floral tributes to their former bandmate

Tomlinson and Malik walk past floral tributes to their former bandmate

Malik had his head bowed and wore sunglasses while passing through the churchyard

Malik had his head bowed and wore sunglasses while passing through the churchyard

Cowell, seen with his girlfriend Laurence Silverman, created One Direction

Cowell, seen with his girlfriend Laurence Silverman, created One Direction

Chris Stark (left) and Jordan North (centre) arrive for Payne's funeral

Chris Stark (left) and Jordan North (centre) arrive for Payne’s funeral

Ms Cassidy was accompanied into the service by her friend, Damian Hurley

Ms Cassidy was accompanied into the service by her friend, Damian Hurley

Corden arrives at the service, which is being held at a church in the Home Counties

Corden arrives at the service, which is being held at a church in the Home Counties

Rochelle Humes was accompanied by her husband Marvin

Rochelle Humes was accompanied by her husband Marvin

Damian Hurley waits outside with mourners before Payne's funeral

Damian Hurley waits outside with mourners before Payne’s funeral

Adrian Chiles walking through the churchyard wearing a West Bromwich Albion top

Adrian Chiles walking through the churchyard wearing a West Bromwich Albion top

Members of the public line the route to Payne's funeral service

Members of the public line the route to Payne’s funeral service

Payne rose to fame with band One Direction. He is pictured with his bandmates in 2013

Payne rose to fame with band One Direction. He is pictured with his bandmates in 2013

Flower arrangers outside the entrance of the church where his funeral is taking place

Flower arrangers outside the entrance of the church where his funeral is taking place

Flowers being prepared at the church in the Home Counties ahead of Payne's funeral

Flowers being prepared at the church in the Home Counties ahead of Payne’s funeral

Aerial view of the hotel where Payne died in Buenos Aires

Aerial view of the hotel where Payne died in Buenos Aires

Louis Tomlinson said he was 'really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye' in a separate tribute to Payne

Louis Tomlinson said he was ‘really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye’ in a separate tribute to Payne

Zayn Malik said he had been talking out loud to Payne 'hoping you can hear me'

Zayn Malik said he had been talking out loud to Payne ‘hoping you can hear me’

Harry Styles wrote on Instagram that he was 'truly devastated' and will 'miss him always'

Harry Styles wrote on Instagram that he was ‘truly devastated’ and will ‘miss him always’

He posted a picture on his Instagram page of the two of them on stage with Payne lovingly putting his arm over Tomlinson’s shoulder.

Tomlinson said he would be an uncle to Payne’s son Bear if he ‘ever needs me’ and ‘tell him stories of how amazing his dad was’.

‘I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life,’ he wrote.

‘I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.

‘I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.

Payne had been on holiday in South America with girlfriend Kate Cassidy (left)

Payne had been on holiday in South America with girlfriend Kate Cassidy (left)

Tributes and flowers are placed outside St. Peter's collegiate church to remember former One Direction singer Liam Payne, in Wolverhampton

Tributes and flowers are placed outside St. Peter’s collegiate church to remember former One Direction singer Liam Payne, in Wolverhampton

One Direction fans gather to pay tribute to Liam Payne, at the Monument of the Revolution, in Mexico City on October 17

One Direction fans gather to pay tribute to Liam Payne, at the Monument of the Revolution, in Mexico City on October 17

‘Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X’.

Malik said he had been talking out loud to Payne ‘hoping you can hear me’.

In his own heart wrenching tribute, he said he had ‘lost a brother when you left us’.

‘And I can’t explain you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,’ he wrote.

‘I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever. There is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro.’

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