Liam Payne from One Direction and girlfriend Cheryl Cole welcome healthy baby boy

THE 23-year-old One Direction star took to Instagram to announce the happy news that he and his girlfriend Cheryl Cole have welcomed their first child.

The couple met when Liam Payne auditioned for X-Factor when Cheryl Cole was on the judging panel.

CHERYL Cole and her boyfriend Liam Payne are “besotted” with their new son, friends revealed last night.

One Direction star Liam was at her side for all of the birth on Wednesday, the Sun reports.

The overjoyed star, 33, and boyfriend Liam, 23 welcomed a son on Wednesday at London’s Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

One revealed: “Cheryl gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday, and both are doing well.

“Liam didn’t leave Cheryl’s side throughout the birth, and like her, he is besotted with their new son and can’t wait to take him home.

“This is the perfect Mother’s Day for Cheryl.”

The source went on: “Liam was determined to support Cheryl at every step of the way, and did everything to make sure she was OK.

“This is a wonderful time for them, and they are both ecstatic to be parents. It’s an incredibly exciting new chapter in their lives.

“Their family and friends are also delighted by the news and can’t wait to meet their little one.”

Liam took to Instagram to announce the birth.

The heavily pregnant star was admitted to the hospital early this week in preparation for the birth.

And she is believed to have stayed in the 16-bed Kensington Wing, which claims to offer the “ultimate birthing experience”.

Women who stay on the wing can expect one-to-one midwife support and 24 hour consultant care.

New mums also have the option of a “luxurious post-natal suite” where $122 a bottle champagne and smoked salmon are on the menu.

The rooms also boast super-size TVs, WI-FI, toiletries and a custom-made bed for a partner.

Cheryl, who began dating One Direction star Liam in February 2016, first sparked speculation that she was expecting in October.

Posing at a L’Oreal event in Paris, the former Girls Aloud star she showed off what looked suspiciously like a small baby bump.

Photos of her taken at a perfume event were also swathed in mystery as she positioned herself behind a table, hiding her stomach.

Cheryl Cole and Liam Payne seen here in November.

Meanwhile, dad-to-be Liam, who is poised to release his solo album, broke his silence on their relationship in a revealing interview.

He told Rollacoaster magazine: “We’re super happy. It’s a very personal, precious time for us.”

Liam, who met Cheryl on X Factor in 2011 while auditioning for the singing show, went on: “She is a wonderful, wonderful person.

“It’s amazing to have someone who can relate to so much of things — someone who’s taken greater steps than me.

“Her solo career was amazing. She’s been in the industry for 14 years now. She fully supports me.”

Cole’s baby joy comes after years of wishing for a family.

In 2012, she told GQ Magazine: “I love kids, I’m obsessed with babies.

“I know that’s what I was put on the Earth to do — to be a mother.”

She continued: “Of course I’ve thought about baby names a million times. I like Alfie for a little boy.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished here with permission.