Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Liam Payne dubbed 'the new Kylie and Jason'

Former X Factor judge Louis Walsh has given Cheryl Fernandez Versini and Liam Payne's romance his seal of approval, and he has also tipped them for chart success should they choose to collaborate. Describing Liam as the Gary Barlow of One Direction the 63-year-old said: "I think Liam is really talented. He's a great songwriter. I think Liam will be good for Cheryl."

It has been suggested the pair may even join forces as judges on The X Factor. The couple, who are tipped to be the 'new Kylie and Jason' would be a sure-fire ratings winner for Simon Cowell as he struggles with sliding viewing figures on the ailing talent show. Ladbrokes spokeswoman Jessica Bridge told the Daily Star: "If Simon wants ratings to rocket then he needs to sign up Cheryl and Liam as judges."

Until recently Liam's bandmate Louis Tomlinson had been a favourite to replace Nick Grimshaw in 2016 and the singer recently admitted to The Sun that he would be more than willing to take on the role of judge. "It's really exciting,' he said on the BRITs red carpet. "We've had no official conversation yet. But yeah, I mean, why wouldn't I."

Another person who is not so enthusiastic by the reports of Cheryl and Liam's collaboration is the singer's estranged husband Jean Bernard Fernandez-Versini.

The French businessman has reportedly dismissed the blossoming romance as nothing but a 'stunt'. A friend of the French restaurateur told The Sun that JB had been hoping to salvage the marriage before news broke that Cheryl had moved on with the One Direction singer, who is ten years her junior.

"What could be better for Cheryl's career? An unknown Frenchman as her husband or a boyband star ten years her junior? He really hoped they could salvage the marriage but now feels insulted and humiliated," said the source.

While Jean-Bernard has not commented publicly on his wife's new relationship, the 35-year-old appeared to be finding his inner calm as he posted a picture of himself in a yoga pose with the caption: "When the sun goes down... #mood".

Cheryl meanwhile, seems to be reveling in the attention from the rumoured new man in her life, teasing fans with cosy selfies with Liam. While even friends of the stars were left stunned by the news of their romance, the couple are said to be "madly in love."