Cheryl Cole to Kate Cassidy: A Complete Timeline of Liam Payne's Dating History

Liam Payne, former One Direction star, tragically passed away at 31 after allegedly falling from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aireson Wednesday October 16th.

He had been on holiday with his girlfriend, influencer Kate Cassidy, though Cassidy had left two days before the incident.

Celebrities, friends, and family are mourning Payne’s sudden passing, including his ex-fiancée Maya Henry, who had a complicated relationship with him. Payne, who shot to stardom at 16, was often in the public eye, particularly for his high-profile relationships.

Here’s a look back at some of the most significant women in Payne’s life, from Cheryl Cole to Kate Cassidy.

Liam Payne’s Relationship History

Kate Cassidy, 2022-2024

Photo: Backgrid

Liam Payne’s last known relationship was with influencer Kate Cassidy, 25, who had been vacationing with him before his tragic death. Just days before the incident, Payne posted a mirror selfie with Cassidy. The two first sparked dating rumors when they were spotted at a Halloween party in October 2022. By November, the pair went public with their romance. After dating for seven months, they split in May 2023 but rekindled their relationship by 2024.

Aliana Mawla, 2022

Photo: Backgrid

In 2022, Payne briefly dated model Aliana Mawla, whom he met while filming his "Familiar" music video. Their relationship was thrust into the spotlight when the pair were seen arm-in-arm at Heathrow Airport shortly after Payne’s split from Maya Henry. Henry reacted publicly to their photos, commenting on Instagram, “This is not me, and it’s hard enough knowing this has happened without seeing it.”

Maya Henry, 2018-2022

Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Payne’s on-and-off relationship with Maya Henry began in 2018, though they didn’t go public until September 2019. They became engaged in 2020, only to announce their breakup in June 2021, with Payne explaining it was “best for both of us.” However, the couple reunited in October 2021, only to split again in 2022. Following their breakup, Henry suggested Payne had cheated on her with Aliana Mawla. By 2024, Henry revealed more about their rocky relationship, stating, “I definitely chose to forgive a lot of things... When you love someone so much, you have those rose-colored glasses.”

Cheryl Cole, 2015-2018

Photo: JME International

Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole’s relationship made headlines not only because of their 10-year age gap but also because they welcomed a son, Bear Grey Payne, in 2017. Payne and Cole first crossed paths when she was a judge on The X Factor and Payne auditioned at 14. They began dating in 2015 and appeared publicly together at Eva Longoria’s Global Gift Gala. Their son’s birth was a highlight for Payne, who said, “I’m completely in awe of his incredible mother.” The couple split in 2018, though they continued to co-parent amicably, with Payne later telling Glamour that Cheryl was “the best person to co-parent with.”

Sophia Smith, 2013-2015

Photo: Karwai Tang/Getty Images

Payne’s romance with his childhood friend Sophia Smith lasted from 2013 to 2015. They had a deep connection, but Smith, 21, reportedly ended things because she wasn’t ready to settle down, despite the serious direction their relationship was headed.

Danielle Peazer, 2010-2012

Photo: FilmMagic

Payne’s first high-profile relationship was with dancer Danielle Peazer, whom he met while competing on The X Factor. They dated for two years, but by 2012, their relationship ended, with reports suggesting the pressures of Payne’s rising fame played a significant role in their split.