Liam Payne and his girlfriend Maya Henry are engaged after dating for two years, MailOnline can exclusively reveal.
The former One Direction heartthrob 26, popped the question with a dazzling diamond ring that set him back an eye-watering £3million.
Texan-born model Maya, 20, was seen sporting the ring when she enjoyed a romantic meal with her new fiancé at London’s upscale Novikov on Thursday night.
Liam Payne and his girlfriend Maya Henry are engaged after dating for two years, MailOnline can exclusively reveal. Pictured together on Thursday night
Sparkler: Maya was seen sporting her dazzling diamond ring, worth £3million
The couple’s joyous news stands in stark contrast to rumours circulating back in February, when sources had claimed that they’d quietly gone their separate ways.
However, a source close to the lovebirds told MailOnline at the time that they were ‘definitely still a couple and are very happy together’.
The friend explained they were taking their romance off social media, adding: ‘Maya and Liam are definitely still a couple and are very happy together.
‘Both have been taking time off social media lately and enjoying each other’s company away from the spotlight.’
Such were their efforts in enjoying their romance in private that the pair weren’t seen in public together for several months, only being spotted this summer.
In June, they united in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests in London, holding hands and donning black ensembles as they walked among the crowds.
Romantic: The couple stepped out for a romantic meal at London’s Novikov on Thursday night
Plunging: Maya looked stylish for the occasion, stepping out in a deeply plunging black gown
They’ve seen been spotted enjoying romantic meals together and linking arms during strolls through the English capital.
The pair were first linked back in August 2018 shortly after Liam’s high-profile split from Cheryl, 36, with whom he shares son Bear, three.
At the time of their fateful encounter, they were pictured together at a meet-and-greet event when One Direction fan Maya was 15.
It wasn’t until September 2019 that Liam publicly spoke about his blossoming romance, while promoting his single Stack It Up.
Leading the way: Liam led the way as he held his fiancée’s hand following their romantic meal
Together forever: The couple’s joyous news stands in stark contrast to rumours circulating back in February, when sources had claimed that they’d quietly gone their separate ways
Glamorous life: The lovebirds were ferried to the eatery in the back of a chauffeur-driven car
He said during an appearance on Capital Breakfast with Roman Kemp: ‘We’re fairly happy at the moment. I’m just past the point of where I’m bothered or not.
‘It’s not worth my happiness; I’d just rather go out and do what I want. I’ve got nothing to hide.’
That same month, Liam made things Instagram official, when he took to the image-sharing platform to upload a heartwarming snap of him laughing and hugging Maya.
Captioning the snap, he wrote: ‘Sometimes I don’t recognise this happy guy… sure glad you brought him back though.
Golden boy: Liam, 26, caught the eye in a gold satin shirt, which he teamed with black trousers
Display: Maya kept her ring on prominent display as she toted a small black leather handbag
Quiet: They kept their engagement news quiet, as Liam popped the question during lockdown
‘This has been the most amazing release week to date! Massive thank you to all my team for helping setting it all up and making it run smooth.
‘Then last but not least this one @maya_henry for always keeping the biggest smile on my face through all the stress and making me realise how perfect my life really is. Love you all let’s stack this sh** up.’
Brunette beauty Maya wrote in response: ‘So proud of you and so glad we can be happy together. Stack it up biisshhh.’ [sic]
The pair have been inseparable since making their relationship public in September of last year, but have kept things decidedly low-key.
In October, Liam spoke out about his turbulent love life with MTV News, revealing that ‘many girls’ broke his heart in the past but said Maya ‘completely’ has his back.
‘Honestly with love, I think you don’t really understand it until it gives you that sting, it took a long time for me,’ Liam said.
‘Something really hurt me and it kind of made me appreciate love and people a lot more, for the longest time, living such an exposed life made dating really hard.
‘I’ve found someone who’s genuinely my best friend, she’s just so relaxed about everything and someone who’s completely got your back with everything is just the wildest thing.’
The one: In October, Liam spoke out about his turbulent love life with MTV News , revealing that ‘many girls’ broke his heart in the past but said Maya ‘completely’ has his back
Just the two of us: The pair have been inseparable since making their relationship public in September of last year, but have kept things decidedly low-key