Ah, so it's all Leona's fault. Sorry, I favoured his more boyish look, as opposed to the more puffed version we're being peddled nowadays.
Payne has started a gruelling new exercise regime so he can impress his older girlfriend with his body when they go on holiday. Because that will be the first time she sees it...
The couple are planning a romantic getaway in the new year and Liam is keen to look his best on the beach. To be fair, he also probably wants to look a bit buff for the legions of photographers that follow celebrities around the likes of St Barts for the duration of January.
A regular at Liam's gym said: "He's been down a lot more lately and has started asking some of the lads for tips and pointers. He said he'll be taking his new girlfriend away when he gets the chance and wants to be fit."
He's also eating more protein to get more muscle as he's desperate for a six-pack. And, guessing by the face, he's also downing quite a few protein shakes.
Liam and Leona were first linked together earlier this month and although neither have officially confirmed the romance, Leona recently spoke about how much fun they have together.
The 27-year-old star - who is eight years older than 19-year-old Liam - said: "You'd be surprised how much we have in common. He's great. We see each other when we can. It's very flattering to get compliments like that. It's cute... I'm not saying [if we're together]. I'm having fun and enjoying myself. If you have a bond with someone it doesn't come into it. I'd date someone younger or older, ages doesn't matter to me. Or looks, really - it's all about maturity."
Good news, Liam, you can lay off the shakes - she's impressed by the fact that you're the only member of One Direction who can manage to articulate themselves in interviews without the use of the word 'like'.