Instagram It's the relationship many Directioners didn't see coming!
Over the weekend, news broke that Liam Payne was dating X Factor U.K. judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini also known as Cheryl Cole. In fact, some reports surfaced that the pair had been dating each other since late last year.
Today, the secret is totally out with the One Direction singer posting selfies with his leading lady online. As for Cheryl, she's having a bit more fun on social media as she recently snapped a photo with a few handsome fellas.
"My mystery man line up," she wrote as Liam stood in the background. "#WhosTheMysteryMan #WhoIsIt #WhosWorthIt."
As this relationship develops, we're taking a look at how many times these two stars have crossed paths before things got romantic. Let's just say these two go back, way back.
2008: At just 14 years old, "school boy" Liam came so close to making it big on the X Factor U.K. After his audition, Cheryl remarked that "I think you're really cute. You have a lot of charisma." Ultimately, the student made it to Simon Cowell's house in Barbados before getting cut from the competition.
2010: Two years after leaving the show, Liam returned to the judge's table where he sang "Cry Me a River" by Arthur Hamilton. "You definitely got it. Whatever it is, you got it," Cheryl shared. "I thought your voice was really, really powerful." As you likely could have guessed, everyone voted yes and One Direction was formed.
Remember when the boys were asked who's their idol and Liam said Cheryl Cole bc she's hot #KCA #Vote1Direction pic.twitter.com/5ycsO8j2ni
? s loves z ??*? (@imperialzjm) February 28, 2016
2014: Back when Zayn Malik was still a member of 1D, the boys were asked who their idols were. According to one Twitter user, Liam's answer may just shock you. Harry Styles was first to respond with "Cheryl Cole" before Liam added, "She's hot." Enough said!
Aug. 20, 2014: Back when every celebrity was stepping up to support the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, Cheryl decided to pass on the task to another familiar face. "I nominated Liam Payne, Piers Morgan and Nicola Roberts," she said. Two days later, Liam agreed to the delight of thousands of young fans.
Feb. 14, 2016: When it was time to celebrate one romantic holiday, Liam decided to share a picture of a giant rose with the message, "Happy Valentine's Day baby." He also stepped out with a rose tattoo on his left hand. The twist, however, comes in the simple fact that Cheryl has a huge rose tattoo on her lower back that has a bit of a resemblance. Coincidence? We'll let you decide.
Vai ter Cheryl e Liam Payne de novo sim! #Brits pic.twitter.com/AktlJI0U1l
? Cheryl Brasil (@BrasilCheryl) February 24, 2016
Feb. 24, 2016: As Cheryl prepared to attend the 2016 Brit Awards, some fans noticed the comments made by Liam on Instagram about his rumored new lady. After typing two kissing emoji's, Cheryl responded with a smiling face and a heart. Liam added, "See you there babe."
so is it official?? @Real_Liam_Payne changes his insta profile to this :O @CherylOfficial #WillYouBeInMyTop16 pic.twitter.com/E40RTOlD4E
? CROSSY (@CrossyTweets) February 28, 2016
Feb. 28, 2016: One day after E! News confirmed the pair was dating, Liam changed his social media profile picture to a selfie of himself with Cheryl. While the 22-year-old has since changed his main picture to a solo shot, the imagine will obviously live on for quite some time.