Cheryl and Liam Payne announce split after two and a half years together

Cheryl and Liam Payne have confirmed they are splitting after two and a half years together.

The former couple took to Twitter tonight to announce the news.

Cheryl wrote: “We are sad to announce that we are going our separate ways. It’s 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.”

Liam echoed: “Cheryl and I are sad to announce that we are going our separate ways. It’s 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.”

According to The Sun newspaper, the pair will continue an “ongoing relationship” as they look after their son, Bear.

“Cheryl and Liam worked really hard on their relationship – they had troubles earlier this year and were able to get through them,” a source told the tabloid of the split. “But they’re in different stages of their lives and, after a lot of careful thought, came to a decision that it’s best for everyone if they do go their separate ways.

“He still cares for her and she cares for him. They still have an ongoing relationship together. They have a baby together.”

Cheryl and Liam’s romance surprised us all when news of it first broke back in February of 2016.

Rumour has it that the pair got together back in December 2015 after meeting up backstage at The X Factor final.

Cheryl has generally kept out of the spotlight since the birth of Bear but is rumoured to be making a TV comeback next year.

Reports suggest Simon Cowell wants her on his new dancing show, The Greatest Dancer, which will air on BBC One.