Cheryl Ann Tweedy, famously known as Cheryl, has captivated the public not only with her successful music career as part of Girls Aloud and as a solo artist but also with her high-profile romantic life. Her journey through love has seen her navigate two marriages, significant relationships, and the joys of motherhood, all under the intense scrutiny of the media. From the early days of her fame, her relationships have been a consistent topic of public interest, evolving from youthful romance to mature partnerships.
Cheryl's first significant public relationship was with English footballer Ashley Cole. The couple first met in 2004 when they both resided in the same North London apartment block. Their romance quickly blossomed, leading to an engagement and subsequently, a highly publicized wedding in July 2006.
Upon their marriage, Cheryl adopted his surname, becoming widely known as Cheryl Cole. However, their union was frequently challenged by numerous allegations of infidelity on Ashley's part. Despite initial attempts to work through these difficulties, Cheryl ultimately filed for divorce in May 2010, citing "unreasonable behavior" as the grounds for separation. Their divorce was finalized later that year, marking the end of a four-year marriage that had been a constant fixture in the tabloids.
Following her separation from Ashley Cole, Cheryl was linked to professional dancer Derek Hough. They initially formed a close bond in 2009 while filming the music video for her song 'Parachute', where Hough served as choreographer. Reports indicated they began dating in 2010, around the time of her divorce, with Hough whisking her away on a romantic holiday to Tanzania.
Derek Hough later confirmed their relationship, stating, "We dated for a while. Absolutely we are still friends, we are still very close." Cheryl herself publicly acknowledged his significant role during a severe bout of malaria in 2010, crediting him with saving her life. Their relationship, though brief, was a supportive period for Cheryl during a challenging time.
In 2012, Cheryl embarked on a relationship with dancer Tre Holloway, whom she had met in 2010 during her performance of 'Promise This' on The X Factor. Their romance became public around March 2012, with Holloway even appearing in Cheryl's ITV2 documentary. The couple's relationship was often challenged by the demands of long-distance, as their careers kept them in different parts of the world.
Despite their efforts, the distance proved to be a significant hurdle. Cheryl and Tre Holloway decided to part ways in October 2013, acknowledging that their demanding schedules made it difficult to maintain the relationship. They reportedly remained on good terms after their amicable split.
Cheryl's second marriage came swiftly in July 2014 to French restaurateur Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini. The couple met in Cannes and surprised many by tying the knot after a whirlwind three-month courtship. Their intimate ceremony took place on a private island in Mustique, keeping the news under wraps until Cheryl announced it herself.
However, this marriage was also short-lived. After just over a year, reports of trouble in paradise began to surface, leading to their separation. Cheryl filed for divorce in October 2016, once again citing "unreasonable behavior." The divorce was finalized quickly, marking the end of her second marriage.
The most high-profile of Cheryl's recent relationships was with One Direction member Liam Payne. The pair had a unique history, as they first met in 2008 when a then 14-year-old Liam auditioned for The X Factor, where Cheryl was a judge. Their romantic connection, however, didn't ignite until much later, becoming public in early 2016 after Cheryl's second divorce.
Their relationship garnered significant media attention due to their age difference and individual celebrity statuses. In March 2017, Cheryl and Liam welcomed their son, Bear Grey Payne, into the world. The couple often shared glimpses of their family life, though they largely kept Bear out of the public eye. Despite their bond and shared parenthood, Cheryl and Liam announced their separation in July 2018.
"We are sad to announce that we are going our separate ways," they stated in a joint message on social media. "It has been a tough decision for us to make. 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."
Since her split from Liam Payne, Cheryl has largely maintained a private romantic life. She has focused primarily on raising her son, Bear, and her career. In November 2018, she publicly stated in an interview that she was "done" with dating, indicating a desire to prioritize her personal well-being and motherhood over romantic pursuits. As of recent reports, Cheryl remains single, dedicating her time to her family and professional endeavors, having navigated a complex and often public romantic history with grace and resilience.