A look back at Cheryl's life-changing year – and how she's ending 2016 on a high

Content Managing Editor

November 30, 2016Nov 30, 2016, 4:59 PM GMT

What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago Cheryl faced a battle in her personal life as her marriage to Jean-Bernard Fernandez Versini broke down. Fans expressed concern over the singer's shrinking frame and her cryptic social media posts.

As she and Jean-Bernard were pictured less and less together, rumours started to fly that the couple were on the brink of a split. Cheryl herself seemed to hint at trouble in paradise as she bid farewell to 2015 with a tell-tale Instagram post.

"Bye 2015.. you've been real!!!!!" she captioned an Instagram photo of herself sticking up her middle finger. "You have taught me a lot but I am happy to see the back of you!! .. Happy New Year everyone.. I hope this year brings you everything you wished for & is filled with happiness, love & laughter! Wishing you a happy, healthy & prosperous new year."

The New Year saw a fresh start for Cheryl and her wishes certainly did come true. The notoriously private star declined to comment on her divorce, but it soon became clear that she had found love again with Liam Payne. The couple had enjoyed a string of secret dates at the end of 2015, shortly after Cheryl's split.

The Geordie beauty and the One Direction band member stunned fans with the news that they were dating, with some claiming their ten-year age gap meant their relationship was unlikely to last. But Cheryl and Liam defied critics and went public with their romance in February, sharing their first of many loved-up selfies on Instagram.

The hot new couple made their red carpet debut in May, attending the Global Gift Gala in Paris. Days later Cheryl, 33, and Liam, 23, stepped out again, this time in Cannes for the Chopard Trophy Ceremony. The pair posed up a storm, putting on an affectionate display and clearly only having eyes for one another.

Cheryl had found 'The One' and her broad smile and glowing appearances were thanks to her new boyfriend. She was worlds apart from her 2015 self and had even more reason to smile when her divorce to Jean-Bernard was finalised in October.

Earlier this week she proudly showed off her blossoming baby bump for the first time, leaving many to estimate that she is six months pregnant. The singer had previously concealed her new curves under loose clothing and slimming outfits, leaving fans to question 'is she, isn't she?'

Unlike 12 months ago, Cheryl's life has turned around for the better and she is ending 2016 on a high. The nation's sweetheart has so many things to look forward to next year – most of all, becoming a first-time mother.