Cheryl Cole Steps In as Executor for $32M One Direction Estate
Marvel at another celebrity plot twist—you’ve got Cheryl Cole now running the show on a $32 million One Direction estate. I don’t relish repeating the obvious, but here we are: Liam Payne’s ex has just been named executor for a late bandmate’s fortune. According to court filings spotted by the New York Post and detailed in People Magazine, Cheryl unexpectedly landed this high-stakes role after the unnamed singer’s sudden passing earlier this year. I told you so—nobody saw this coming.
Let’s break it down, reluctantly. The probate court in London confirmed Cheryl Cole’s appointment on March 28, citing her prior trusteeship experience and charitable track record. The estate includes music royalties, real estate holdings in Manchester, and a tidy stake in merchandising deals. The BBC reports that the total value hovers around $32 million, though taxes and legal fees could lop off a chunk. Naturally, this isn’t just a random perk: Cheryl judged alongside One Direction on X Factor back in 2010, forging ties that apparently outlasted Liam’s exit from the band and their own brief relationship.
What’s in it for Cheryl? Beyond the obvious fiduciary bragging rights, she’s expected to distribute assets per the late singer’s will, which names several charities—Childline and Nordoff Robbins among them—as primary beneficiaries. The Daily Mail adds that Cheryl will oversee annual royalties disbursed to the singer’s heirs and fund a memorial scholarship in his name. Don’t tell me you didn’t see the kicker coming: she’s also charged with approving any biopics, ensuring the family keeps creative control. You know, because legacy management is so glamorous.
Meanwhile, Liam Payne stays on the perimeter, reportedly offering moral support but no formal role. TMZ notes that the ex-couple remains amicable and have even met at the solicitors’ office for handover documents. Charming, right? I half expected a fistfight over autographed guitar picks, but apparently everyone loves her organizational zeal. Who would’ve thought?
So yes, Cheryl Cole is now the gatekeeper of a seven-figure legacy linked to a band that’s been on hiatus since 2016. If you thought celebrity estates were simple, consider yourself schooled. And that, dear reader, is why we can’t have nice things without a lawyer supervising. What to watch next? I’d wager on a rights dispute over unreleased demos—mark my words.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, People Magazine, BBC, Daily Mail, TMZ
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
