Liam Payne has opened up about spending time away from his three-year-old son Bear, as he discussed his co-parenting agreement with former partner Cheryl in lockdown.
The singer, 27, welcomed his only son Bear with the Girls Aloud hitmaker, 37, in March 2017 with the couple announcing their split a year later.
Liam has now revealed that during the first lockdown earlier this year, he agreed to take an extended break from his boy after he and Cheryl had concerns over the virus.
Speaking to Tings magazine, Liam said: "[Lockdown] it's the longest I haven't seen him [Bear] in his life.
"But we discussed from the start and for different reasons, me and Cheryl decided I should be away for a little bit.
"It's not unusual for me to be in and out of his life," admitting Liam, adding: "He's a quiet and chill child. He doesn't worry about things too much."
Liam explained that he and Chery agreed to keep Bear out of the public eye since his birth and also decided not to splash their time with him across social media like many other celebrity parents.
The Strip That Down singer said the move meant that his time being a father was not often seen by fans.
I get to be a dad and have a family in that way, that's complete opposite of that [showbiz] zone.
"It's mine for my own, expect for Cheryl and Bear," added the star.
Mum Cheryl delighted fans in April this year by sharing a rare video of son Bear - in which he was heard speaking on camera for the very first time.
The pop star was urging her followers to share their support for NHS charities when she was interrupted by Bear, who revealed his adorable Geordie accent.
"I just wanted to come on here while Bear is occupied," began Cheryl before her son stole the limelight.
"I want to eat! I want to go to the park!" cried Bear in an accent that suggested he is taking after his Newcastle native mum.
Dad Liam revealed in the first lockdown how much he was missing his boy.
Liam said he hadn't seen Bear in weeks as he quarantined in London.
"Me and Cheryl had a very open conversation about visiting, but it’s difficult," the 26-year-old told The Sun, but said he keeps in touch by FaceTiming his boy.
"It was right around his birthday that it (lockdown) happened. It was one of the first times I was in the country for his birthday and I was ready to go over and I just thought, 'I don’t know how I feel about it'.
"It’s just been difficult having to put up with a lot of FaceTime, and sometimes he wants to talk on FaceTime, sometimes he doesn’t."
Liam and Cheryl split in July 2018 not long after Bear's first birthday.
They had been together for two and a half years.
Liam is now engaged to model Maya Henry, 20.
