Liam Payne has said he has been able to relax a lot more with his new girlfriend after being involved in a high-profile romance with Cheryl.

The One Direction star, 26, is reported to have been in a relationship with American model Maya Henry, 19, for around a year, but only went public with the romance recently out of respect to his ex-partner and the mother of his child.

Payne told the Kiss Breakfast Show that Henry is “awesome”.

Cheryl and Liam Payne
Cheryl and Liam Payne in 2018 (Ian West/PA)

On the impact of fame on their relationship, he said: “It’s kind of got to the point with my life where I’m like, screw this. It’s not worth my happiness.

“If someone is going to take a picture, someone is going to do something.

“The difference is with her, she’s so relaxed that it helps me relax in a situation… It’s been quite nice just going out.”

He added: “I’ve managed to explore a lot more of London than I ever have actually in my life, which has been quite fun.

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“My life has been quite normal recently, which has been a break. It’s good. I’m enjoying myself right now.”

Payne and Henry have been pictured a number of times out together.

He was previously in a relationship with former Girls Aloud star Cheryl from 2016 until 2018, and the pair welcomed their son Bear in March 2017.