When British pop icon Cheryl Cole welcomed her first child, Bear Grey Payne, into the world in 2017, fans across the globe celebrated the news. Yet, amid the joy, one question remained consistently searched online: how old was Cheryl Cole when she had Bear? The answer reveals more than just a number—it opens a window into Cheryl’s personal evolution, her relationship with Liam Payne, and her perspective on motherhood and fame.
Cheryl was 33 years old when she gave birth to her son, Bear, on 22 March 2017. The father, Liam Payne, a member of the world-famous band One Direction, was 23 at the time. Their 10-year age gap became a talking point in British media, but Cheryl later reflected that her age brought stability and emotional maturity to motherhood.
This article explores Cheryl’s life at that moment—her career trajectory, relationship timeline, the media attention surrounding her pregnancy, and how motherhood transformed her personal outlook. It also examines broader trends about women choosing motherhood in their 30s and beyond, supported by recent UK statistics and real-life insights.
Cheryl Cole’s Early Life and Career
From Newcastle to Pop Stardom
Cheryl Ann Tweedy, known professionally as Cheryl Cole (and later simply as Cheryl), was born on 30 June 1983 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. She rose to fame in 2002 as a member of the girl group Girls Aloud after winning a spot on ITV’s reality show Popstars: The Rivals. The group became one of the most successful British acts of the 2000s, earning five platinum albums and 21 UK Top 10 singles.
After Girls Aloud disbanded, Cheryl launched a solo career that catapulted her to even greater fame. Between 2009 and 2014, she achieved five UK number-one singles and became a household name through her role as a judge on The X Factor UK. By her early thirties, Cheryl had achieved extraordinary fame but was also facing intense media scrutiny over her personal life and relationships.
Finding Herself Beyond the Spotlight
By 2016, Cheryl had stepped back from television and music, focusing more on her wellbeing. Around this period, she began dating Liam Payne. The relationship attracted significant attention, largely due to their age difference and Cheryl’s prior marriages, but the couple appeared deeply connected.
In interviews, Cheryl often mentioned that she had reached a point in life where fame took a backseat to personal happiness. She spoke about wanting to settle down and build a family, and that mindset shaped her next chapter.
Cheryl and Liam Payne: The Relationship Timeline
Cheryl first met Liam Payne when he auditioned for The X Factor in 2008 at just 14 years old—while she was a judge on the panel. Years later, in late 2015, they reconnected as adults, and by early 2016, rumours of a romantic relationship began circulating in the British press.
By 2017, the couple publicly confirmed their relationship and announced the birth of their son, Bear Grey Payne. The announcement came via Instagram, where Cheryl posted a photo of Liam cradling their newborn son with a heartfelt caption celebrating their joy.
While the pair separated in 2018 after two years together, they have maintained a cooperative relationship as co-parents, both prioritising Bear’s wellbeing. Liam Payne has often spoken publicly about his respect for Cheryl and how motherhood changed her.
How Old Was Cheryl Cole When She Had Bear?
Cheryl was 33 years old when she gave birth to her son Bear on 22 March 2017. Born in 1983, she became a mother in her early thirties, an age many women in the UK today are also choosing for childbirth.
Her age at the time reflects a growing societal trend: women in developed countries, including the UK, are increasingly having children later in life. According to data from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average age of mothers in England and Wales rose to 31.2 years in 2024—the highest on record.
This reflects a shift towards prioritising career development, financial security, and emotional readiness before starting a family. Cheryl herself embodied this trend, often stating in interviews that she was grateful to have waited until she felt “strong, settled, and truly ready” for motherhood.
Cheryl’s Experience with Motherhood
Adjusting to Life as a Mother
Cheryl described her early days as a new mother as “overwhelming but deeply fulfilling.” In a rare interview with The Times in 2020, she spoke candidly about the sleepless nights, emotional adjustment, and her decision to step away from fame to focus entirely on her child.
She said that her priorities shifted dramatically after Bear’s birth. The constant touring, recording sessions, and public attention were replaced by quiet days at home, building routines and enjoying simple moments. Cheryl called this change “the most grounding experience” of her life.
Parenting Style and Balance
Cheryl has often emphasised the importance of balance and privacy in her parenting approach. Unlike many celebrity parents, she has kept Bear out of the public eye, rarely sharing photos or details of his life.
She also spoke about the influence of her Newcastle upbringing on her parenting style—keeping things humble, maintaining family traditions, and focusing on kindness. In a 2021 interview, Cheryl shared that she didn’t want Bear to grow up surrounded by fame, preferring to raise him with normality and discipline.
Liam Payne’s Perspective
Liam Payne has been open about his admiration for Cheryl’s strength as a mother. In interviews and podcasts, including The Diary of a CEO, Payne mentioned that Cheryl provided stability and compassion during their relationship and beyond.
Despite their separation, Liam and Cheryl continue to co-parent successfully. Liam described their bond as “friendship built on mutual respect,” saying they both prioritise Bear’s happiness above all else.
Their shared parenting model has often been highlighted as an example of mature celebrity co-parenting—a trend becoming more common as public figures strive to protect their children’s wellbeing from media intrusion.
The Broader Context: Motherhood in the Modern Era
The Rise of Later Motherhood
Cheryl’s decision to have her first child at 33 mirrors a broader societal shift. Modern women are increasingly delaying childbirth due to educational pursuits, financial goals, and changing gender dynamics in the workforce.
According to NHS data, births among women aged 30 to 34 have overtaken those in the 25 to 29 age group for the past five years. Moreover, the number of births among women over 35 has also increased significantly, showing that older motherhood is now the norm rather than the exception.
Medical advancements, fertility support, and evolving social acceptance have made it possible for women to pursue both career success and family life at their chosen pace.
Celebrity Influence and Public Perception
Celebrities like Cheryl Cole, Beyoncé, and Meghan Markle have reshaped public discussions around older motherhood. Their openness about waiting until later in life has helped dismantle the stigma once associated with women having children beyond their twenties.
Cheryl, in particular, became a symbol of empowerment for women who wanted to prioritise self-development before parenthood. Her fans saw her as a relatable figure—someone who had faced heartbreaks, career highs and lows, yet ultimately found fulfilment in motherhood.
Practical Insights for Women Planning Motherhood Later in Life
For women considering starting a family in their 30s or beyond, Cheryl’s experience offers both inspiration and perspective. Here are some practical takeaways derived from her journey and expert recommendations:
Emotional readiness is key – Cheryl often mentioned that waiting until she felt mentally prepared helped her embrace motherhood without fear or resentment.
Health monitoring matters – The NHS recommends that women over 30 maintain regular health checkups, especially when planning pregnancy, to ensure safe outcomes for both mother and child.
Support systems are invaluable – Cheryl relied on her family network and close friends for support, underlining the importance of a strong emotional circle.
Privacy protects peace – Choosing what to share and what to keep private, as Cheryl did, can reduce stress and create a healthier environment for both parent and child.
Cheryl Cole’s Life After Motherhood
Since becoming a mother, Cheryl has maintained a lower public profile but continues to work selectively in entertainment. She served as a judge on The Greatest Dancer and made rare television appearances, always balancing her commitments with her role as a mother.
In 2023, Cheryl made headlines again with her West End theatre debut in 2:22 A Ghost Story, earning praise for her performance. She credited motherhood for giving her the confidence to take on new challenges.
Today, Cheryl lives primarily in Buckinghamshire with her son Bear, focusing on family life and occasional creative projects. Her social media presence remains minimal, reflecting her commitment to privacy and grounded living.
Public and Media Reaction
When Cheryl announced her pregnancy in 2017, public response was largely positive. Fans celebrated her new chapter, while tabloids focused heavily on her relationship with Liam Payne.
Over time, however, the narrative shifted. Media outlets began portraying Cheryl as a mature, nurturing mother who had gracefully transitioned away from pop stardom. Even after her separation from Liam, Cheryl’s reputation remained strong, a testament to her authenticity and composure in the public eye.
Her story also sparked conversations about the pressures placed on women in the entertainment industry to conform to societal timelines for marriage and motherhood.
Recent Trends (as of 2025)
As of 2025, Cheryl continues to represent the modern working mother—independent, reflective, and prioritising her child above career. Her evolution mirrors wider generational shifts in celebrity culture where authenticity, wellness, and personal fulfilment have overtaken fame as life goals.
Social media discussions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Quora, and TikTok often revisit Cheryl’s motherhood journey as an example of choosing family over fame. Searches for “Cheryl Cole son Bear 2025” and “how old was Cheryl Cole when she had Bear” remain high according to Google Trends, showing sustained public interest in her life choices.
FAQs
How old was Cheryl Cole when she had Bear?
Cheryl Cole was 33 years old when she gave birth to her son, Bear Grey Payne, on 22 March 2017.
Who is the father of Cheryl’s son?
Bear’s father is Liam Payne, a member of the globally successful British boy band One Direction.
Are Cheryl and Liam Payne still together?
No, Cheryl and Liam separated in 2018 after two years together but continue to co-parent their son amicably.
What is Cheryl doing now?
As of 2025, Cheryl is focused on raising her son while occasionally taking on acting and television projects, including her work in West End theatre.
What message has Cheryl shared about motherhood?
Cheryl has spoken about the importance of emotional readiness and patience in motherhood, emphasising that becoming a parent in her thirties was the right decision for her.
In Summary
Cheryl Cole’s journey to motherhood at 33 is a story of timing, maturity, and self-awareness. It illustrates how personal growth can shape one’s readiness to become a parent and how societal attitudes towards motherhood have evolved. For Cheryl, having Bear wasn’t just about starting a family—it was about starting a new, more grounded chapter of life.
Her experience offers reassurance to many women balancing ambition and family aspirations, proving that there is no fixed timeline for motherhood. Whether through her music, interviews, or quiet moments shared with her son, Cheryl continues to inspire women to embrace life at their own pace.
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