Who knew that at an X Factor audition would signal a love affair of the ages?

Since Cheryl showed off her baby bump earlier this week, all but confirming her pregnancy with ex-One Direction band member Liam Payne, footage of the pair's first meeting has resurfaced.

Cheryl was 24 when the then 14 year old Liam first auditioned for the X Factor in 2008.

While Simon Cowell said he was missing ‘grit and a bit of emotion’ from Liam’s performance, Cheryl stood up for the teenager (shudders…), who had given her a cheeky wink during the audition.

She said he was ‘really cute’ and had ‘charisma’, and along with Louis, convinced Simon he had potential.

The rest is history.

Check it out: