Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 16, 2025 · Entertainment

Cheryl's Brave Night Out: Remembering Liam Payne Amid Tragedy

Cheryl put on a brave face as she enjoyed a night out ahead of the anniversary of her ex Liam Payne 's death

SHOCKING CELEBRITY TRAGEDY: ONE YEAR ON FROM LIAM PAYNE'S DEATH

It's been a year since One Direction heartthrob Liam Payne left us far too soon, leaving behind a trail of broken hearts and unanswered questions. And as the anniversary of his tragic passing approaches, his ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole is trying to put on a brave face - but it's clear she's still reeling from the shock.

The Girls Aloud star was spotted enjoying an intimate dinner at London's swanky Lanesborough Hotel with her bandmate Nicola Roberts and other close friends. The rare appearance came just three days before the somber anniversary of Liam's death, which has left a gaping hole in the lives of all who loved him.

The One Direction star, 31, died in Buenos Aires after falling from a third floor balcony at the Casa Sur Palmero Hotel on October 16, 2024; Liam and Cheryl pictured in 2018

But it's not just Cheryl who's struggling to move on from the tragedy. Sources close to the star claim she's been "devastated" by the loss of her ex-partner and father to their young son Bear. Insiders say that even though they were no longer together, Liam was still a significant presence in their lives, and his passing has left a void that can't be filled.

Liam's death on October 16, 2024, sent shockwaves around the world. The singer had been in Buenos Aires with girlfriend Kate Cassidy, attending a concert by former bandmate Niall Horan. But just hours before his tragic fall from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Palmero Hotel, Liam was reportedly "behaving erratically" and was even carried out of the lobby by hotel staff.

A subsequent toxicology report revealed that Liam had cocaine, alcohol, and prescription antidepressants in his system at the time of his death. The findings have sparked a heated debate about the dangers of substance abuse and the pressure on celebrities to maintain a flawless public image.

The Girls Aloud star celebrated her bandmate Nicola Roberts ' 40th birthday with an intimate dinner at the Lanesborough Hotel in London's Belgravia

As the investigation into Liam's death remains open, there are still many unanswered questions surrounding his final hours. Hotel staff and witnesses claim that Liam was booted out of another hotel in Buenos Aires just days before his passing for disturbing guests. And sources close to the star say he had been struggling with addiction issues in the months leading up to his death.

Meanwhile, Kate Cassidy has been vocal about her grief on social media, using the platform to connect with fans and share the signs that she feels keep Liam's memory alive. But some have criticized the influencer for profiting from her connection to the late singer, selling branded merchandise through her account with Golden Child.

In a bizarre twist, it's been revealed that Kate has also teamed up with the brand to sell designer handbags and sunglasses - all while grieving the loss of her partner. And Liam's ex-bandmates have been accused of hypocrisy for using their platform to mourn his passing while still profiting from their own fame.

Her rare appearance came just three days before the one year anniversary of her ex boyfriend's tragic death

Just last week, Louis Tomlinson confirmed that Liam's death has put a pin in any potential One Direction reunion plans. But it seems the band is still trying to capitalize on their former member's legacy - with Louis teaming up with Zayn Malik for a new Netflix deal worth millions.

As the investigation into Liam's death continues, one thing is clear: his passing has left an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond. And as we approach the somber anniversary of his tragic passing, it's time to remember the talented young singer who was taken from us far too soon.

On Monday night Cheryl joined Nicola, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola's closest friends for the birthday celebrations

Birthday girl Nicola was pictured looking stunning in a red satin dress as she left her 40th birthday celebrations

Cheryl was pictured leaving the five star hotel in an elegant black satin dress, paired with a tailored blazer and a chunky gold chain necklace.

During the last 12 months Cheryl has kept a low profile as she navigates the tragic situation which left her son Bear, eight, without a father

Cheryl beamed at her friends as she climbed into her car and was driven home

It's only the second time Cheryl has been pictured in public since the funeral of her ex-partner and father of her son Bear

Cheryl continued her conversatiuon with the door of the car open after leaving the dinner

Following Liam's death Cheryl was granted the power of administration of his estate (Liam pictured in January 2023)

In contrast to Cheryl, Liam's girlfriend Kate Cassidy has been very public in her grief for the star