Liam Payne and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini ‘bonding over struggles’

Liam Payne and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini have apparently bonded over recent struggles.

The hottest new couple in showbiz has had a string of public outings together, including popping into a supermarket and heading to a London casino.

They've also been adding romantic snaps to their individual social media accounts; though have received some backlash that the romance could be a publicity stunt.

However those close to the pair say this couldn't be further from the truth, and Cheryl, who recently split from her husband of less than two years Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, and Liam are the real thing.

"The affection between them is genuine and they've definitely been bonded by their recent struggles," a source told Britain's Grazia magazine. "Cheryl's still reeling after everything with JB, and Liam was a lot more affected by the pressures of being in 1D than people realised."

Like Liam and his band One Direction, Cheryl also found fame on a singing reality TV contest. She was one of the winners on British series Popstars: The Rivals in 2002, landing a spot in girl group Girls Aloud.

As well as a shared career history, Liam allegedly also thinks the new couple has what it takes to become a brand - rivaling the likes of Victoria and David Beckham. In fact the 22-year-old singer has reportedly been asking David's PR manager Simon Oliveira to take him on as a client.

"Liam is hoping that Cheryl and he could be the next Posh and Becks, and he's already secured Cheryl as his date to Oliveira's wedding in July," the insider said.

Cheryl, 32, reportedly sees the new romance as a way to get over her painful split from JB.

"Cheryl hates being painted as a victim. Both she and Liam are excited to see where it goes," the insider added.