Sophia Smith has kept a dignified silence since the end of her two-year relationship with Liam Payne in October – but she has spoken out this week to admit she is still shocked by the One Direction star's new romance with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.The 22-year-old revealed she had known about the union for some time, but said she still finds it bizarre. "It's SO weird," Sophia told Now magazine. "I knew about them a little bit ago, but who thought it would actually come out?!"
© Photo: Getty ImagesSophia has spoken out about ex Liam Payne's new romance with Cheryl
Asked how she felt following the news, the fashion business student answered: "Yeah… I'm ok. I'm all good. "Sophia and Liam were a solid couple prior to their split last year, and Liam was said to be "devastated" by their break-up. "Liam is incredibly sad, but is going to keep busy," an insider confirmed. "He really hopes that everybody will respect both his and Sophia's privacy and stop speculating. "Sophia's comments come after Liam, 22, and Cheryl, 32, both confirmed their relationship on social media, and were seen heading out for a date night on Saturday at Crockfords casino in Mayfair, London.
© Photo: InstagramLiam and Cheryl are thought to have started dating in December
The couple are said to have enjoyed a string of secret dates together, with The Sun reporting that their romance blossomed in December after The X Factor judge called time on her marriage to Jean-Bernard. "Cheryl and Liam are in a relationship," a source said. "It was unexpected but they've both made each other incredibly happy. They've always got on well and share many of the same interests, but there was never anything romantic between them in the past. "Their relationship developed very quickly in December after The X Factor final where One Direction gave their final performance before starting their hiatus. Liam is madly in love. This is the real deal."
© Photo: InstagramSophia has been spending time with Louis' ex Eleanor Calder
Hours after Cheryl and Liam's romance was revealed, Sophia was seen spending time with Louis Tomlinson's ex, Eleanor Calder. The two friends were pictured hanging out together at The Boundary Restaurant in London – and they had plenty to discuss.Eleanor dated Louis for four years until March 2015 – and just four months later it was revealed he was expecting a baby with Briana Jungwirth. His son Freddie Reign was born on 21 January 2016.
