Liam Payne 'is all about Cheryl and not his music'

Liam Payne is apparently focusing all of his attention on girlfriend Cheryl, and not his music.

The One Direction singer, who's currently enjoy a break from band duties as the group is on hiatus, shocked fans when he got together with Cheryl earlier this year (16). Cheryl, 32, first met 22-year-old Liam when he was just 14 after he unsuccessfully tried out for The X Factor U.K. at the same time she was acting as a judge. The star returned two years later and became a member of One Direction.

Since finding romance with the former Girls Aloud singer, Liam has apparently lost focus with future career plans.

"He's got eight guitars and has barely picked one up since he's been with Cheryl. He's not writing music and hasn't been in touch with Jamie Scott, his songwriter mate," a friend told Britain's Now magazine.

"He's not out partying and enjoying himself – he's at home cooking for Cheryl and helping with her acrimonious divorce details."

Cheryl split from second husband, French restaurateur Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, in 2015 after little more than a year of marriage. It came after months of speculation about their union.

Liam's alleged lack of interest in music has apparently left people concerned.

"His friends and music associates are really worried," the insider continued. "He's done brilliantly for a man his age but he needs to move forward with his career. All the 1D guys realise that this is a crucial turning point and they need to capitalise on their success and prove themselves as solo artists and talents."

Since the One Direction guys began their break Harry Styles has embarked on an acting career, Niall Horan is focusing on charity work and and Louis Tomlinson has started a record label and become a father.

Only former bandmate Zayn Malik has carried on with music, launching a successful solo career.