Cheryl's Fury Over Double Betrayal

Cheryl is left shocked as footage surfaces of her ex, Liam Payne, getting close to Rita Ora

- Daisy McLure

She reportedly grew tired of his “single man behaviour” during their two-and-a-half-year romance – particularly over his steamy performances with singer Rita Ora for their 50 Shades Of Grey song, For You.

And following their split in July, sources reveal that Cheryl, 35, was left fuming last week when secret footage emerged of her ex Liam Payne, 24, wrapping his arms around Rita, 27, and whispering in her ear as they danced at a pre-VMAs gig.

Fans were quick to express their shock at Liam – who has 17-month-old son Bear with Cheryl – with one speculating, “I wouldn’t be surprised if these two already slept together.” Another speculated, “I thought a few months ago when Liam was still with Cheryl there was something going on between him and Rita.”

A source reveals, “Cheryl trusted Liam throughout their romance, but friends say she was upset when the video of him and Rita emerged, as she knows it will lead to speculation. Although there is nothing to suggest Liam did anything wrong or that he and Rita are an item, it’s only natural that it’s humiliating for her.”

The source adds, “Liam always insisted his relationship with Rita was purely platonic, so to see them so close and flirtatious when they thought no one was watching was bound to have been a big surprise to Cheryl.”

UNSETTLING

Cheryl had previously been friendly with Rita, who is reportedly dating rocker Andrew Watt. They appeared to form a close relationship in 2015, when they starred as judges on the X Factor panel – regularly sharing snaps of themselves cuddling up to each other on social media.

Rita said at the time, “I didn’t [know Cheryl before the show] but I wish I did, she’s so sweet.”