Sophia Smith, former girlfriend of late One Direction singer Liam Payne, got a Christmas surprise—a proposal from her boyfriend, James Bridgwood.
Smith shared the joyful news on Instagram, posting a video of the intimate Christmas Day moment. “Yes a million times over ❤️💍 25.12.24,” she captioned the post. The proposal took place at home, with their daughter, Angelina, by their side.
In the heartwarming clip, the trio, dressed in matching pajamas, shared a group hug after Bridgwood slid the engagement ring on Smith’s finger. The scene was adorned with rose petals, and Bridgwood set up champagne and glasses for the occasion.
While the exact timeline of their romance is unclear, Smith first posted a photo with Bridgwood in June 2022. By December of that year, she announced her pregnancy with Angelina, born in April 2023. Leading up to their engagement, the family enjoyed holiday festivities, including a visit to Santa Claus and a Christmas tree photoshoot.
Sophia Smith was once a significant part of Liam Payne’s life. The pair, who were childhood friends, began dating in May 2013, following Payne’s split from Danielle Peazer in late 2012.
In an interview with Attitude magazine in October 2015, Payne revealed he had a schoolboy crush on Smith but didn’t pursue her at the time. “I fancied her since school. I even asked her sister for her number,” Payne shared, recalling their shy early interactions.
After reconnecting at a mutual friend’s party, the pair struck up a romance. Payne described it as a “childhood sweetheart” story, admitting he fell for her at first sight. Though the couple discussed marriage, Smith wanted to focus on her career aspirations, avoiding the label of a “stay-at-home girlfriend.”
Payne even wrote One Direction’s 2014 track “Illusion” about her. Despite their deep connection, they split in 2015. Payne later dated singer Cheryl Cole, with whom he shares a son, Bear, born in 2017.
Payne tragically passed away at 31 on October 16, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. His death remains under investigation, and Smith has not commented publicly on the loss.
At the time of his death, Payne was in an on-again, off-again relationship with Kate Cassidy. Cassidy recently revealed angel wing tattoos, which appear to be a tribute to Payne.
Smith, meanwhile, is embracing her new chapter with Bridgwood and their daughter, cherishing moments of love and family.
