Inside Liam Payne's funeral as Cheryl has 'special role' and One Direction 'tension'

The world was left in shock following the tragic death of One Direction star Liam Payne, but his funeral was a private event attended by those closest to him. The singer, who passed away last month at just 31 years old, was laid to rest yesterday (Wednesday, November 20) in the Home Counties.

Among the mourners were former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik. Liam's devastated girlfriend Kate Cassidy was also present at the private service, as was Girls Aloud star Cheryl, the mother of his seven-year-old son Bear.

While specific details of the service have been kept under wraps, some information has since come to light, including Cheryl's special role in the ceremony and alleged 'tension' between the 1D bandmates, who were seen together for the first time in nine years. According to Mail Online, sources suggest there was 'tension' between the four remaining band members as they bid their personal farewells to Liam.

Harry, 30, was the first to arrive, entering the church with actor James Corden. Niall, 31, arrived with his girlfriend Amelia Woolley, while Zayn, 31, and Louis, 32, thought to have remained closest to Liam following One Direction's indefinite hiatus, were seen in conversation.

Harry left the service with "Gavin and Stacey" star James, while Zayn was seen departing solo. Niall exited alongside Amelia, clutching an order of service, reports the Mirror.

An insider disclosed to the Mail: "It is absolutely tragic that the band had to come back together at a funeral for one of their own. They were once so close, but like in any group, fallouts happen, people change, and there are often thousands of miles between them. But they all wanted to be there for their old friend."

"They have been devastated by Liam's death. They were like brothers for their most formative years and shared so much history together. But coming face to face at such a tragic event must have been very difficult indeed."

Cheryl's important role

Cheryl, 41, is believed to have played a significant part in organising the ceremony alongside Liam's bereaved parents, Geoff and Karen. The former X Factor judge has also reportedly pledged to ensure that young Bear always remembers his renowned father.

A source close to Liam's family described Cheryl as 'devastated', adding: "She has her own grief, but she also has a little boy who won't see his daddy again, and that is just heartbreaking. While she and Liam split a long time ago, they were bonded over their love of Bear. Liam died in such a horrible way but the family wanted to remember him in the most perfect way possible."

Cheryl has maintained a friendly relationship with her ex-partner Liam, who moved closer to her and their son Bear after they split shortly following Bear's first birthday. In the wake of Liam's tragic passing, Cheryl released a deeply moving statement: "As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I'd like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.

"Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity; he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again."

She added: "What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future."

"I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them. Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last. Thank you, Cheryl."

Liam tragically died on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires. He had a special bond with the location of his funeral service. Loved ones gathered at St Mary's church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, just a short distance from where he lived with Cheryl and Bear during the early stages of their relationship.

After their separation, Liam assisted Cheryl in purchasing a £3.7million mansion for raising Bear, where she resided with her mother Joan. It was evident that Liam's son was a primary consideration when organising the service, as personal details beautifully reflected their relationship.

The Mail Online reported that Liam once purchased life-sized dinosaur figures as a playful gift for himself, which became a bonding point between him and Bear. Friends allegedly stated that having these figures in his garden "healed his inner child" while bringing immense joy and amusement to his young son.

In a touching tribute to their connection, the dinosaurs were reportedly present at the post-funeral gathering on Wednesday.