Liam Payne 'planning to propose to Cheryl' when baby is born

While Liam Payne and girlfriend Cheryl are expecting their first child together, marriage might also be on the cards in 2017.

The couple went public with their relationship in February this year after a whirlwind romance, and as they anticipate the new addition to their family, it seems the former One Direction star is keen to make things official.

Taking inspiration from Cheryl's best friend Kimberley Walsh's partner Justin Scott, the 23-year-old is reportedly planning to pop the question, as soon as the baby is born.

According to Mail Online a source said: "Liam got the idea to propose straight after the birth after finding out that Justin popped the question after the delivery of their first child.

"It's given Liam so many ideas. There will definitely be wedding bells sooner than we expected."

It would be Cheryl's third trip down the aisle. The former Girls Aloud singer was married to footballer Ashley Cole and later tied the knot with French entrepreneuer Jean Bernard Fernandez-Versini. The marriage however, was short-lived and the pair split up after 15 months together.

And while Liam and Cheryl have not officially confirmed the pregnancy, the 33-year-old appeared to be responding to the speculation by putting her growing baby bump centre stage as they arrived at a charity event last week. The radiant star and father-to-be, beamed from ear-to-ear as they faced the paparazzi.

Meanwhile, as Liam has been busy recording solo material in LA Cheryl, has had the support of her family. A source told The Sun: "Liam is doing what he can to make sure he spends as much time as possible with Cheryl before and after the birth, but some commitments can't be changed.'

"Luckily Cheryl has an incredibly supportive family, who will rally round if they are needed. They will also be helping her and Liam after the birth, as Cheryl is saying she doesn't want to get a nanny."

In an interview with Notebook Magazine, the Crazy, Stupid Love singer clearly had children on her mind as she revealed her plans for Christmas.

"It's my favourite time of year," she explained Mail Online reports. "It's a nostalgic thing – I'm from a big family and Christmas was so magical when I was a kid. Now I live it vicariously through my nieces and nephews. I love watching the magic in their little eyes. There are always loads of kids around when we're all together for Christmas, I love watching cartoons and Christmas films with them," she added.

While she refused to be drawn on her rumoured pregnancy, the singer did seem to hint that with her new love and a baby on the way, she already has everything she wants for Christmas.

"I used to really look forward to what I was going to get," she said. "But now I just don't need anything. I just love the quiet time, the family time. Being with people, that's what's important to me."