Liam Payne 'ready to be a dad with Cheryl'

Liam Payne is reportedly warming to the idea of having a family now he's with girlfriend Cheryl.

The One Direction hunk is thought to have begun dating the British star, formally known by her married name Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, in March (16) and the new couple appear totally loved up. They're so smitten that Liam, 22, is apparently open to having children with his 32-year-old girlfriend some day.

"At the start, Cheryl was joking to Liam that they could only be a casual fling because of the age difference," a source told Britain's Closer magazine. "She said she wanted to find the perfect dad to raise her kids with, and Liam has taken that seriously and is trying to show her he is a family man.

"He never even thought about having kids before Cheryl, but now that his bandmate Louis (Tomlinson) has a child and seems to be loving it, Liam has been feeling more keen."

It appears the relationship has had a positive impact on both parties, with Cheryl shrugging off her former thin frame in favour of a healthier appearance. By looking after herself, the brunette beauty is reportedly hopeful that she can fall pregnant easily, and she's even eating a healthier diet for her future child.

The pair made their red carpet debut as a couple at an event in Paris earlier this month (May16) and later jetted to the south of France for the Cannes Film Festival.

However, Cheryl was rumoured to be worried about bumping into her ex Jean-Bernard at the annual event.

"Cheryl has been scared about seeing JB in Cannes and the stress has been affecting her," an insider added. "She's been feeling uncomfortable about going back to Cannes with Liam as she has so many mixed emotions about the place."

Cheryl attended the star-studded film festival with Jean-Bernard last year (15).