Cheryl ‘overwhelmed’ by Liam Payne’s fortune as she faces impossible question

Managing her ex Liam Payne’s £24m fortune for their son is a huge added pressure for heartbroken Cheryl, a source has revealed following the One Direction singer’s tragic death

Cheryl has been named an administrator of Liam’s estate following his death(Image: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)

Seven months after Liam Payne tragically fell to his death from a hotel balcony, his ex partner Cheryl Tweedy has been given the responsibility of managing the £24m fortune he left behind. Court documents published last week revealed the 31-year-old One Direction star didn’t make a will prior to his death, and Cheryl and music industry lawyer Richard Bray now have responsibility for administering his estate, including his property, money and possessions.

Cheryl, 41, and Liam were together for two years until 2018 and split just over a year after their son Bear was born. Shortly after Liam’s death, a heartbroken Cheryl wrote on Instagram she was “navigating this earth shattering event” and “working through her grief at this indescribably painful time”.

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Liam Payne and Cheryl
The couple were together from 2016 to 2018(Image: Getty Images for Chopard)

A source claims the Girls Aloud singer is now relying on a close-knit circle of friends and focusing on trying to be “the best possible mum” to Bear, now eight. “Liam not leaving a will means Cheryl is front and centre of what’s happening now,” they told us. “It’s a really sad situation and a lot for one person to handle.”

Maria Bailey, founder of Grief Specialists, a social enterprise supporting anyone experiencing grief, says when a loved one doesn’t leave a will – or a will doesn’t match expectations – it often sparks feelings of confusion, hurt and anger, on top of the sadness of the loss itself.

“You can’t have a conversation with the person, so you can’t find out their wishes, or their reasoning,” she explains. “This can feel overwhelming. Going through a bereavement is already emotionally complex, and unexpected responsibilities, like being named executor of an estate, can intensify that experience.

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“When there’s no will, you can be thrust into emotionally and legally charged situations, which can lead to feelings of shock, resentment, guilt or anxiety, especially if family dynamics are strained, or if decisions are unclear.”

Liam Payne and Bear
Liam didn’t leave a will with his wishes for what happens with his estate(Image: Instagram/cherylofficial)

Liam died of “internal and external haemorrhage” and multiple traumatic injuries after falling from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires on 16 October. The Argentinian prosecutor’s office said shortly afterwards that tests found traces of cocaine, alcohol and a prescription antidepressant in his body.

In December, five people were charged in connection with the tragic death, including the hotel’s manager and the receptionist, and a friend of Liam’s, but these charges were dropped earlier this year.

Two other hotel employees were also charged with supplying cocaine to the Liam on the night he died.

His funeral was held in Amersham in Buckinghamshire in November, and was attended by a string of A-listers including his former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik, as well as Simon Cowell, Cheryl and Bear, and his girlfriend at the time, Kate Cassidy.

Liam and Kate Cassidy
Liam and Kate Cassidy were dating in the final months of his life(Image: PA)

Cheryl, along with Richard Bray, now has responsibility for managing the estate – which totals £24.3m once debts and expenses have been paid – but can’t distribute it just yet.

Maria believes it’s important for someone in a position like Cheryl’s to find “emotional space to grieve” as well as practical help, to work through the logistics of managing an estate without a will.

She adds, “Grief isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ experience, but people often cycle through emotions such as anger, sadness and confusion, especially when there are unresolved issues, or surprises relating to the estate.

“Being made responsible for another person’s legacy can stir up additional emotions, such as doubt, or heaviness, and might also raise questions, such as ‘Why me?’ or ‘What would they have wanted?’”

After splitting from Cheryl, Liam had a three-year relationship with model and actress Maya Henry, who told a magazine earlier this year that her ex was “unrecognisable” when he took drugs and she ended their relationship because “staying in his world meant losing herself”.

Cheryl and Bear
Cheryl will now be raising Bear as a single mother(Image: INSTAGRAM)

At the time of his death, Liam was dating model and influencer Kate Cassidy, who claimed a week after the fall that the pair had hoped to marry. Posting a tribute to Liam on her Instagram account, the 26-year-old wrote, “A few weeks ago, we sat outside on a beautiful evening manifesting our lives together.

“I keep your note close, even though you told me not to look at it. It said, ‘Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & together forever.’”

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It’s been speculated that Kate won’t receive any money from Liam’s estate. In UK law, spouses and children are usually first to claim an estate, which means Cheryl is likely to put the money in a trust for Bear.

The Newcastle-born performer will be making the decisions alongside lawyer Richard Bray, who has “represented many high profile artists, performers, managers, record labels, publishers and senior executives” in the 36 years since he qualified, according to Bray & Krais legal practice.

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Simon Cowell’s devastating reaction to Liam Payne death revealed for first time

Simon Cowell was left “absolutely devastated” by the sudden death of Liam Payne, according to close friend Sinitta – who, in an exclusive interview, has revealed for the first time how the music mogul broke down in tears during an emotional phone call.

Simon Cowell was left “devastated” by the sudden death of Liam Payne, close friend Sinitta has revealed (Image: PA)

Pop star Sinitta has revealed for the first time Simon Cowell’s heartbreaking reaction to the sudden death of Liam Payne, describing how the music mogul “sobbed down the phone” to her, and was “absolutely devastated.” Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, the singer and stage star – who mentored alongside Cowell on The X Factor and was one of the first in the world to spot Liam’s talent – recalled the shocking moment she heard the news.

She revealed during an exclusive chat with OK!: “On the night it happened I had gone to bed early but left my phone on in the other room,” she explained. “I kept hearing it clicking with new messages. In the morning, I saw the messages and was in complete shock. I literally couldn’t speak. It was like living through a nightmare.”

READ MORE: Kate Cassidy breaks silence as fate of Liam Payne’s £24m fortune is confirmed

Sinitta and Simon Cowell
Sinitta has been close friends with Simon Cowell since the 1980s(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)

Sinitta, 61, first met Liam when he auditioned for The X Factor at the age of 14, impressing the judges with his mature vocals. Though he didn’t make it through the first time, Simon and Sinitta both urged him to return – and he did, aged 16, where he was famously placed into One Direction during the 2010 series.

“To me, he was still that little boy who made it all the way to Barbados [for Judges’ Houses] because he was determined to be on the show, ” she said. “Simon and I loved him and begged him to come back. He did – and ended up being the lead singer in One Direction. You never expect anyone younger than you to suddenly die.”

Liam Payne and Sinitta
Sinitta first met Liam when he first auditioned for The X Factor, aged just 14
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Sinitta added that she “couldn’t stop thinking about Cheryl and Bear,” referring to Liam’s ex-girlfriend Cheryl, and their son. “All I could think about was Cheryl and Bear,” she told us. Later that day, Sinitta reached out to her close friend Simon Cowell – whom she’s known for over 40 years. What she heard on the other end of the phone has stayed with her ever since.

“He was absolutely devastated,” she said. “I hadn’t heard him so upset since his mum died. He sobbed down the phone to me. He couldn’t contain his emotions – it was hard to know what to say to him.”

One Direction and Simon Cowell
Sinitta reveals that Simon “sobbed” down the phone to her on the news of Liam’s death (Image: FilmMagic)

Despite his grief, Simon later attended Liam’s funeral and comforted the singer’s parents – something Sinitta says shows his strength and character. “It was very brave of him to be able to go to the funeral and comfort Liam’s parents,” she added.

Liam tragically died in October 2024 at the age of 31, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. The incident sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, with tributes flooding in from friends, fans and former bandmates. Five individuals were initially charged in connection with Liam’s death.

However, three – including Liam’s close friend Roger Nores – have since had those charges dropped. Legal proceedings are still happening – with Liam’s nearest and dearest continuing to grieve the star.

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Sinitta is starring as Mama Morton in Chicago The Musical. For dates and ticket information, see chicagothemusical.com

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‘I founded one of the UK’s biggest music festivals and the planning would surprise you’

The founder of the North East’s biggest boutique music festival has revealed what it takes to put on such a spectacle as he reveals Glastonbury admiration

Hardwick Festival has been running for 11 years(Image: John Runciman)

As festival goers get ready for yet another epic summer of live music, a founder of a long-running event has revealed the surprising cost to set up such a project.

This year has seen the likes of Glastonbury once again sell out in extraordinary time. The iconic Worthy Farm festival has plans for another memorable year before taking a break until 2027. The likes of Sir Rod Stewart and Olivia Rodrigo will be among the huge names on hand to wow the crowds across the various stages.

Reading & Leeds, Download and Kendall Calling will also be packed with music lovers, as will the likes of Creamfields and the Isle of Wight Festival.

Despite many new festivals popping up over the years, it’s a tall order to face the test of time. However, for one founder, he’s managed to do just that – and he’s explained the intricate planning that goes into such an event.

Glastonbury 2022
John admits he takes inspiration from the likes of Glastonbury(Image: Getty Images)

Founder of Hardwick Festival, John Adamson, has confessed the pricy payout that comes with hosting such a sizeable shindig. Currently setting up for its 11th year in August, Hardwick – held on the grounds of Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield – is the biggest of its kind in the North East.

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But John admits he’s had to endure a number of stressful situations as it continues to snowball. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror ahead of this year’s three-day event, which sees headline acts include Olly Murs, Pet Shop Boys, Sam Ryder and Scissor Sisters, John claimed fans would be surprised at how much such a spectacle costs.

“It costs over £2million to put it on,” John confessed. “I don’t think people realise how much it costs to put on a boutique festival like this. You’ve got the likes of the staging, lighting, barriers, sound systems and security to consider before you even think of the main acts.”

He admitted it “takes a hell of a lot of planning” – and even revealed they have already started piecing together 2026’s offering.

Olly Murs is performing
Olly Murs is performing at Hardwick Festival and a number of other festivals this year(Image: Dave Hogan/Getty Images)

“We tend to use the same suppliers most years,” he went on. “I like to use local suppliers and try to use same people. The stage comes from Oxfordshire though, because of the size that’s needed.” He confessed that having acts like Scissor Sisters and Pet Shop Boys, you’ve “gotta have a bigger stage!”

However, he explained he likes to stay loyal where possible to his suppliers as that means he can book in advance to avoid any headaches. “Like Sir Alex Ferguson had, we’ve got to have the right people in the right places,” the Newcastle United-mad businessman said.

John joked that now he is getting older he doesn’t help to put up the fencing like he used to, but insists he is “always there, pointing the finger” – something he says is crucial to success.

And he says his main bit of advice to others keen to grow such an event is to “persevere”.

“One thing i’ve learned is it’s about perseverance,” he said. “If you can learn and persevere, you can succeed. I don’t know any other boutique festivals like us in the North East are going as long as us, so we must be doing something [right].”

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And he admitted he is always keen to keep it fresh, from acts to positioning of stages in order to offer a new “experience” each year. For Hardwick this year, he revealed there will be a new holistic wellness area that “brings that festival feel”.

Love Island star Elma Pazar’s brutal assessment of boyfriend Sammy before age-gap relationship

Elma Pazar reveals she once dismissed now-boyfriend Sammy Root before falling for him in the Love Island: All Stars villa – and tells us that their age-gap romance has completely changed her view on love.

Elma Pazar has revealed that she once dismissed now-boyfriend Sammy Root before falling for him (Image: ITV)

Lash technician-turned-reality star Elma Pazar became known for her flirty one-liners on Love Island 2019 – and life, she admits, has been non-stop ever since. Elma had a second shot at love in the All Stars series earlier this year, and is now back on TOWIE after joining the show in 2022.

She talks exclusively to OK! embracing reality TV chaos, relationship bliss with boyfriend Sammy Root, 24, and flatmate life with bestie and co-star Courtney Green. Glam yet down-to-earth, the 32-year-old Essex favourite opens up to us about fame, romance, taking on I’m A Celeb and finding her happy place – right back where it all began…

READ MORE: Love Island couple spark split fears after star accuses boyfriend of being a ‘red flag’ in awkward TikTok

Elma Pazar and Sammy Root
Elma Pazar says she once ruled out a romance with Sammy – but now they’re going strong, and embracing reality TV chaos once again by returning to TOWIE(Image: ITV)

Elma, it’s lovely to see you back on TOWIE. How was it?

We had so much fun coming back – it was unreal. It honestly felt like coming home. I missed everyone, and they were all so supportive.

Before you went into Love Island, Sammy was already on the show. Did you have feelings for him back then or were you playing it cool?

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It’s funny – he used to flirt with me and I was just like, “I wouldn’t go there.” Probably because of the age thing. I didn’t really know him as a person. But in Love Island, you get the chance to really peel back those layers. You spend so much time with someone that in 48 hours you feel like you know them inside out. That’s how it was for me.

When Sammy entered the villa, did you know straight away how you felt?

It was actually a really emotional day for me. The night I went on the date with Sammy, I’d just sent home three people with Luca [Bish] – it was a lot. So seeing someone I knew brought comfort. We always flirted and had that attraction, but I finally took the leap. It just felt so easy and perfectly timed.

Does the eight-year age gap between you matter to you?

Not at all. In the villa, it didn’t mean anything. On the outside, we’re still getting to know each other, but I don’t feel it. Love Island relationships kind of work backwards – you get super close first, then come out and start dating properly. But we’re really happy and taking it as it comes.

Elma Pazar and Sammy Root
“We’re in our own little bubble,” Elma says of her and Sammy’s unexpected connection.(Image: Ricardo De Leca/ITV/Shutterstock)

What was it like going from Love Island straight into filming TOWIE?

Wild! I landed back in the UK in the evening and was filming the next day. It’s been non-stop. Because we’ve gone from filming one show to another, we haven’t had a long break or private time, but we’re adjusting. We’ve had about a month and a half off now, which has been lovely.

Did you feel any pressure, having your relationship in the public eye?

No, I actually loved it. In Love Island, you’re in a bubble. Coming out and hearing the opinions of real friends and family felt authentic and grounding. No one expected me to be back filming TOWIE straight away, but it all worked out perfectly.

And everyone seems to love Sammy…

They really do. He’s got such a good heart. He’s slotted straight into our girl band. The group has changed a bit – we joke that we’re Girl Band 3.5 now.

Tell us something surprising about your relationship…

How much we don’t dwell on other people. In the villa, it can feel like all you do is talk about others, but with Sammy and I, we focus on each other. We’ve created our own little bubble.

Has he met your family yet?

He has, and I’ve met his. Everything’s moved quite quickly, but it’s been really lovely on both sides. I don’t feel any pressure. I’m very comfortable with the pace we’re going at. I’m not one to rush into anything.

TOWIE cast
Back on TOWIE, Elma is also now living with her best friend and co-star Courtney Green.(Image: ITV)

Do you miss Love Island?

I’m definitely glad to be home. I loved my Love Island experience – it was the best time ever – but I’m a real home bunny. I love being with my friends and family. I’ve even moved in with Courtney, which has been the best thing ever.

What’s it like living with her?

It’s been an absolute breeze. We often wonder why we didn’t do it sooner. We’re always crying with laughter and randomly saying, “I love you” to each other. It’s just the best time. Especially if you’re going through a phase in life where you feel a bit lost. Living with your best mate reminds you life isn’t as bleak as it seems – it’s free therapy!

Does Courtney ever feel like a third wheel with you and Sammy?

Maybe a little at first, right after we left the villa. It was really intense in the beginning because we were inseparable – he was always coming over. But things have mellowed now. We’ve all found our own rhythm and we absolutely love having Courtney hanging out with us on date nights.

Is the Love Island: All Stars circle still close?

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Yeah, we’ve all stayed in touch. There’s a group chat for the girls and I think the boys have their own. But everyone’s so busy it’s hard to get everyone in the same place at once. When we do cross paths at events, it’s really nice. Everyone is smashing it!

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Adele Roberts: ‘I was struggling to sleep properly – then doctors had to cut out my colon’

Adele Roberts has accomplished feats many would think impossible after a diagnosis of bowel cancer. Here she reveals her journey, which now includes a place in the Guinness Book of Records

Radio DJ Adele Roberts has revealed what was going on behind the scenes as she smashed a new record(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Over the past four years, Adele Roberts has accomplished feats that many would think impossible after being diagnosed with bowel cancer – from becoming the first celebrity to skate with a stoma on Dancing On Ice to winning a Guinness World Record after recently completing the London marathon.

Here, the inspiring and straight-talking radio DJ, 46, speaks exclusively to OK! about her love for partner Kate, which couldn’t be stronger, and why she’s determined to rewrite her memories of Australia after her troubling I’m A Celebrity experience…

READ MORE: Lorraine rushes to comfort Adele Roberts as she breaks down

Adele Roberts
Adele has lived with a stoma since being diagnosed with cancer – but it hasn’t stopped her(Image: adeleroberts/Instagram)
Adele Roberts
Adele holds the World Record as the fastest woman in history to complete six of the major marathons with a stoma(Image: PA)

Congratulations Adele! Now you’ve completed the London Marathon, you’re the fastest woman in history to complete six of the major marathons with a stoma. How does it feel?

The overwhelming feeling is relief. It was so hard! Mentally, it was the hardest one to keep going. I also did the Boston Marathon, so I only had six days to prepare. London was the hottest one from the start – and having a stoma, it’s something I have to be mindful of. I’m always dehydrated, so I wasn’t ready for those conditions.

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How does it feel to now hold a Guinness World Record?

Until four years ago, I didn’t consider myself a runner. I still feel like a bit of a fraud – like an imposter – so I absolutely can’t believe I’ve completed it. And to get the Guinness World Record, I never thought I’d have one of those in all my life. And I thought if I did, it’d be for putting marshmallows in my mouth or something.

You’ve really embraced your stoma and not let it stop you from doing incredible things…

I think that’s a really important message. Having cancer and a stoma is like a marathon. It’s mentally hard, and if you can try and change your perspective, it helps a lot. I try to show the other side of it, so people know that there’s hope, and that they don’t have to change their life.

Adele Roberts on Dancing on Ice
Adele reached the final of Dancing On Ice in 2024 – becoming the first ever celeb to compete with a stoma(Image: Kieron McCarron/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

How has your partner Kate supported you throughout the years?

Kate gives me belief. She, luckily, was in the room when I found out I had cancer. I went into that room thinking I had IBS. My GP first told me, “You’re probably too young to have bowel cancer, but I’ll send it to test anyway.” That saved my life. So Kate’s been there from the start. She’s the driving force, the reason I have belief, the reason I get out of bed in the morning. When I was really struggling with cancer and chemo and felt like I was dying, I’d just do it for her, knowing she’s my everything. Kate has been so strong, she’s my inspiration. She really loves me, she’s proved it.

Are you planning any more challenges for the future?

During the challenge, they added Sydney to the six major marathons, so I might have to do that now there’s seven. For the Guinness World Record to be correct, I really have to do all seven. And Kate wants me to go to Australia with her. It might be a good thing for me to do, just to reprogramme the whole I’m A Celeb situation. When I was on that show, I was really ill with cancer, and I didn’t know. So it’s almost like, maybe we go there, we get the seventh done, change our relationship with Australia and make it a good memory this time.

What were your early symptoms on I’m A Celebrity?

I couldn’t eat. I remember them being really worried about me. My stomach really hurt – one of the symptoms is a bloated tummy. And finding it hard to digest food, rapid weight loss – but I thought that was because I wasn’t really eating much – and being tired. Every time the sun went down, my body would shut down. You’re so out of your comfort zone and everything bites you in there and you’re uncomfortable, you can’t sleep properly. So we all just thought it was the effect of the jungle. Unfortunately, it was a bit worse than that.

Kate Holderness and Adele Roberts
Adele tells us that her partner Kate is her ‘inspiration’ and ‘gives her belief’(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

How do you feel you’ve changed since being diagnosed in 2021?

I wouldn’t wish cancer on anyone, but it’s definitely made me a better, more grateful person. I look after my body now, I’m really mindful of my health. I’ve probably never been fitter. But more than anything, once you’ve had that diagnosis, you’re constantly aware that it can come back, so I just take it day by day and try to appreciate every day and live in the moment. I try not to worry about things any more.

What message would you give to anyone finding themselves in a similar position as you were four years ago?

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I’d say, if anybody’s worried about symptoms, please go and get seen. I didn’t go as quickly as I should have done. I’ve learned from that. I think if I’d gone quicker, I might not have needed a stoma. Don’t fear the warning signs, fear not getting seen. And please don’t be scared. There’s so much help out there and so many people sharing their stories. And more than anything, I know it’s a really worrying time, but don’t ever let it take your spirit.

Adele is raising money for Cancer Research UK and Attitude Magazine Foundation. Visit justgiving.com/team/adeleandaudreyruntheworld

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Sinitta’s secret heartache – ‘I wanted to curl up in a ball and shut the world out’

80s pop icon Sinitta opens up about her new lease of life at 61 – from surviving devastating miscarriages and finding joy in adoption her now teenage twins, and falling in love again

Sinitta has opened up about her darkest moment, when she ‘wanted to curl up in a ball and shut the world out’

Pop star Sinitta, currently playing the formidable Mama Morton in Chicago The Musical , shot to fame as part of Stock Aitken Waterman’s hit factory in the 80s. Becoming a household name with hits like So Macho, Toy Boy and GTO – she was Simon Cowell’s first recording star. In 2002, she married Andy Willner and after four months suffered multiple miscarriages followed by three failed attempts of IVF. In 2007, she adopted her two children, Zac and Magdalena, now 18.

Here, Sinitta, 61, opens up exclusively to OK! about how the love of her children helped her through dark days, comforting Simon the day they heard the devastating news of the death of Liam Payne, and her new mystery man…

READ MORE: Simon Cowell’s ‘harem’ now from vicious fights and heartbreak to £5million parting gift

Sinitta in Chicago the Musical
Sinitta is starring as Mama Morton in Chicago The Musical right now(Image: ©Tristram Kenton)
Sinitta and children
The star adopted her two children Zac and Magdalena in 2007(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Hi, Sinitta! You’ve got an exciting new role in Chicago . Now that your kids are teens, were you keen to return to your first love of musical theatre?

Absolutely. I’ve turned down a lot of theatre jobs over the past few years. It just didn’t feel fair to adopt two children, then be at the theatre every night. I would have missed out on bedtimes and bath times and their day-to-day life. I had such a difficult road to motherhood in the first place that I was determined to be there for them every morning. Now they’re 18, they hardly have time for me. They are off doing their own thing, I guess just like I did when I was their age. So, I felt like I needed to get back to the work I adore – musical theatre. The very place I first started my career.

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Do you remember the day you brought Zac and Magdalena home for the very first time?

It was extraordinary. I spent months filling out forms, going to interviews. Then suddenly, because they were very young, we were immediately given a date to pick them up. I met them two weeks before I walked out with them in my arms. It felt very strange, surreal – as if I were a stranger stealing children. They told me not to drive, in case I got disoriented having them in the car for the first time. They were right, because I nearly drove down a one-way street the wrong way. It goes without saying, it was a beautiful day and one I will never, ever forget.

That must have been extra special, after your previous heartbreak trying to have a baby?

As I get older, I do tend to reflect on the sad things that happened in the past. Back then, I just pushed all the painful things to the back of my mind. I think, what would have happened if I had had those children that I lost through miscarriage? I then wouldn’t have had Zac and Magdalena. So, I do think about that because when you go through something like a miscarriage it’s so all-consuming at the time.

Was it one of the most difficult moments in your life?

Oh, it was hard to breathe. I wanted to curl up in a ball and shut the world out – so perhaps it’s only natural those thoughts come back to haunt you, later. The day I adopted my kids I had a reason to live. It’s not the British way to talk about things. When people asked how I was, I’d say, “Oh, I’m fine.” You’re too scared to say, well, as a matter of fact, I’ve just lost a child – in case people are horrified. Nowadays, it’s different because people are prepared to discuss mental health. They are more understanding that we don’t all live perfect lives.

Liam Payne and Sinitta
Sinitta tells us that to her, Liam Payne was always the boy who made it to the Judge’s Houses when she was on The X Factor

You first met Liam Payne on The X Factor when he first auditioned at the age of 14. Can you tell us about hearing the sad news of his death?

On the night it happened I had gone to bed early but left my phone on in the other room. I kept hearing it clicking with new messages. In the morning, I saw the messages and was in complete shock. I literally couldn’t speak. It was like living through a nightmare. To me, he was still that little boy who made it all the way to Barbados [for The X Factor ’s Judges’ Houses] because he was determined to be on the show. Simon and I loved him and begged him to come back when he was 16 – which he did and ended up being the lead singer in One Direction. You never expect anyone younger than you to suddenly die. All I could think about was Cheryl [Tweedy, Liam’s ex-girlfriend] and Bear [Liam’s son with Cheryl].

Did you speak to Simon that day?

Later that day I reached out to Simon, and he was absolutely devastated. I hadn’t heard him so upset since his mum died. He sobbed down the phone to me. He couldn’t contain his emotions – it was hard to know what to say to him. It was very brave of him to be able to go to the funeral and comfort Liam’s parents.

Sinitta and Simon Cowell
Sinitta reveals she comforted long-time friend Simon Cowell on hearing the news of Liam Payne’s death (Image: Corbis via Getty Images)

You made your name in the 1980s. How do you look back on your first single, So Macho , shooting to the top of the charts?

I recently starred in Now That’s What I Call A Musical – all set in the 1980s, so I play myself. I dragged out all my original costumes, the white plaits (because my mother wouldn’t allow me to bleach my hair!). All that made me think back to those early days. It was an extremely happy time in my life. I loved the innocence of that era. We didn’t think the single would sell the way it did – but people were pre-ordering it at record shops, so Simon had to find another pressing plant to press more records overnight. In the end, we got to No2 in the charts and stayed there for weeks.

In 1985, in your early twenties, you starred with David Essex in the musical Mutiny. You went on to have an 18-month romance with him, didn’t you?

It was amazing. That was my breakout part. I was sharing the stage with West End royalty. And yes, David and I grew close and started dating. When I was young, all I dreamed of was doing musical films like Grease and Fame. When I first met Simon, I was doing Little Shop Of Horrors , and he came to see me in it – he became fascinated with musical theatre.

Sinitta performing in the 1980s
Sinitta rose to fame with her hit 1980s single “So Macho” – and tells us it was an “extremely happy” time in her life(Image: Getty Images)

We know you have a new man in your life, too. Are you happy?

I am in a happy place. I’d been happily single for eight years. In a way, lockdown was a blessing as I got to know myself and missed having a partner. I’d go walking and think, this would be nice if I had someone to walk beside me. So I joined some dating apps, which was a disaster because some blokes just thought I was a “fake” Sinitta. Then I met someone lovely – but didn’t immediately think was right for me as he wasn’t my usual type. But that was part of the magic. He’s a lovely, normal person who makes me laugh. So, at last I think, I have found someone I can love.

Sinitta is starring as Mama Morton in Chicago The Musical. For dates and ticket information, see chicagothemusical.com

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