Cheryl devastated over Liam Payne's death and doing all she can to protect their son Bear, 7, and her ex's family

Cheryl devastated over Liam Payne's death and doing all she can to protect their son Bear, 7, and her ex's family

Their romantic relationship ended in 2016, but Cheryl and Liam Payne were bonded for life through their son Bear and the singer was said to be 'devastated' as she attended the One Direction star's funeral yestersday. 

It's understood that Cheryl, who was supported by her Girls Alound bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, is 'dreadfully sad' over Liam's death and is grappling with her own grief, while being strong for her seven-year-old son.  

Looking to the future, she will be doing everything she can to ensure Bear never forget's his father, but yesterday the focus was firmly on giving Liam a loving and dignified send off.

It's believed that Cheryl, who was seen leaving the service with Liam's parents, helped his family to plan the funeral, and this was reflected in the choice of St Mary's Church in Amersham for the service. 

Taking to Facebook, Rev. Canon Tim Harper who used to work at St Mary's,noted that the church has a strong reputation when it comes to hosting religious services for celebrities and public figures, including Elton John. 

'They need a big church, but absolute discretion before and after the service so they can do things personally and properly, and are duly grateful afterwards,' he wrote, while congratulating his former colleagues on the service.  

Cheryl walked behind her ex's coffin following a poignant private service attended by family members and a host of stars from the world of music and sport.

Solemn in funeral black were Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan – the four men Liam had grown up alongside and with whom he shared his rise to stardom. 

Liam died after falling 45ft to his death from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palmero Hotel in Argentina. 

Last month, Cheryl paid tribute to Liam in an Instagram post and spoke of her 'indescribable pain' over telling Bear his father had passed away. 

Her statement read: 'As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time.