Cheryl Fernandez-Versini fears public pressure could damage her bond with Liam Payne

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Liam Payne were criticised for the age-gap between them.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is reportedly worried that the public pressure could hinder her relationship with Liam Payne. The former Girls Aloud member had confirmed that she is dating the One Direction singer in February on Instagram.

The History singer first met the 32-year-old Crazy, Stupid, Love singer when he was auditioning for the ITV talent show, X Factor. Rumours that the pair are romantically involved started after Payne got a rose tattoo on his hand, similar to the rose tattoo on Cheryl's bottom. Adding on, the couple were pictured enjoying a romantic dinner at Salmontini le Resto restaurant on 9 March in London.

"It was so perfect between them before everyone found out," an alleged source told Heat magazine. "There was no pressure before - no judgements. They were able to go on their holiday to the Maldives together without anyone knowing or commenting."

"Now, their every move is under scrutiny and Cheryl's scared that the pressure could prove too much and end up splitting them up," the insider added.

Cheryl had recently split with second husband, Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini. She married the French businessman in a secret wedding in the Caribbean on 7 July 2014, after dating for three months.

"Cheryl wants to meet Liam's mum, Karen, and his big sisters, Nicola and Ruth. But she's got to be nervous of how they'll view the age gap, not to mention her divorces. She finds the idea scary, but she wants to show people she's serious about Liam," the source continued.