One Direction baby: Proof that Cheryl is pregnant with Liam Payne's mini-me?

Its looks like there may be some truth to the rumours that Cheryl and Liam Payne are expecting their first child with the singer's and X-Factor judge's mother adding fuel to the fire after being recently spotted in Mothercare buying pregnancy items.

A fan with the handle @ejohna1 shared a snap of Joan Callaghan purchasing a pregnancy pillow− designed to help support a woman's back and bump when seated− at one of the retailer's store with the caption: "Spotted Cheryl's' mum buying pregnancy items in Mothercare."

Although there is a possibility that Callaghan was treating another expectant mum in her family, fans have already decided that this is all the proof needed.

One said: " Is Cheryl really pregnant ? Damn 2016 is hard on us... it was just supposed to be a "hiatus"

Cheryl met Payne when he was a 16-year-old hopeful auditioning for The X Factor. The former judge was subjected to a barrage of abuse and branded a 'cradle snatcher' after the pair went public with their relationship in February. Aside from the obvious age difference – she is 32 and he is 22 – many fans do not like the fact that she is still technically married to her estranged Parisian husband Jean-Bernard.

The Fight For This Love hitmaker first sent the rumour mill into overdrive in May when she attended the Vogue 100 Gala Dinner wearing a stunning black Bardot mini dress with leather thigh-high boots. Some fans noted that the dress appeared loose around her mid-section.

In August, Cheryl appeared in a new L'Oréal advert wearing a basic white vest-top with her hair styled into loose waves . Some claimed that her fuller face was further proof that she was with child. She hasn't been pictured in public since June when she accompanied Payne's sister's wedding when she opted for grey loose-fitting, full-length, dress.