Liam Payne’s Son Bear Celebrates First Christmas without Dad — His Life After One Direction Idol’s Death

His untimely death earlier this year shocked the world, as reports emerged that the 31-year-old fell to his death on October 16, 2024, after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Liam, who rose to fame as part of the British-Irish boy band One Direction, later built a successful solo career while balancing his personal life. He and Cheryl, then his girlfriend, welcomed their first and only child together in 2017.

The singer shared the joyful news by posting a heartfelt photo of himself cradling his newborn son on social media, though the image was later deleted.

While Liam and Cheryl were never officially married, the singer referred to the former Girls Aloud star as his wife during an interview, leaving some ambiguity about the nature of their relationship.

The pair first met when Liam auditioned for “The X Factor,” where she was serving as a judge. Their romance, which featured a ten-year age gap, raised eyebrows, though it wasn’t entirely surprising to those close to the pair.

Peazer added, “I wasn’t shocked when it came out because they’re in the same industry. Maybe if he started going out with Teresa May, I’d be like, ‘Woah!’ That would be a shock. I’m five years older than him, so I know that he maybe has a thing for age gaps. I mean, look at her, I’d go out with her!”

At the time of his passing, the “Strip That Down” singer was in a relationship with American influencer Kate Cassidy, but Cheryl made it clear there was no animosity between her and Liam. Following his death, she shared a moving tribute on social media.

The former Girls Aloud star continued, “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.”

“Wherever Liam was in the world, he’d always make sure to be home to spend Christmas Day with Bear. [Bear] will always have those memories, but now things will be different,” a source close to the Payne family revealed.

In light of his absence, Cheryl has reportedly gone to great lengths to ensure Bear feels the joy of the season while honoring his father’s memory.

The former “X Factor” judge has allegedly remained connected to Liam’s family over the years, particularly with Ruth, and has prioritized maintaining that relationship for Bear. Her own mother, Joan, is expected to travel from Newcastle to spend the holiday with her grandson at Cheryl’s Buckinghamshire home.

Although Cheryl is focused on preserving Liam’s memory, she is equally intent on establishing new traditions for her son. A source close to the family shared, “Cheryl has gone to great lengths to ensure Liam isn’t forgotten.”

One person who won’t be at the celebrations is Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate. Reports suggest the influencer never met Bear and was only introduced to his family at his funeral.

Kate, who had been dating the singer for two years, is said to be spending Christmas in the United States with her own loved ones as she copes with her grief.

This Christmas will undoubtedly be a bittersweet time for Bear and Cheryl, marked by both sorrow and resilience. Through her dedication, the devoted mother ensures that Bear not only remembers the happy times with his father but also creates new memories that reflect the love and strength surrounding him.