One Direction fans were left amazed with the recent revelation that Liam Payne had been dating ‘The X Factor’ judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini in secret for months. Now, it appears that even his family is surprised with the coupling, with Payne’s cousin Ross Harris saying “he’s done well!”

Harris, an aspiring singer himself and who appeared on the blind auditions of ‘The Voice’ last year, described the 10 year age difference between Cheryl and his relative as “a bit weird”. Interviewed by New! Magazine, he said: “It's quite funny that the other One Direction guys are dating really young models and he’s gone for the mature relationship – but she still looks like a model.”

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini Liam PayneLiam Payne with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini in February 2016

“He’s done well! She’s obviously very famous and very nice looking,” Harris continued, adding with more than a bit of tongue in cheek: “they’ll probably be married in a few weeks, it’s that kind of vibe!”

The couple spent the Easter weekend together, with Cheryl taking a cute pic of Liam stocking up on chocolate eggs ahead of the holiday.

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Large numbers of British celebrities are being asked about the surprising new couple in town, with former ‘X Factor’ contender Fleur East wishing them all the best. “It’s exciting and unexpected, but why not? If they’re happy, why not? So I think it’s nice. I think everybody’s really excited about it actually!”

Last minute Easter egg shopping at the English shop in America ??... as you do ??????

A photo posted by Cheryl (@cherylofficial) on

Meanwhile, 37 year old former model Jodie Marsh spoke to The Sun about the benefits of an age gap in a relationship, having married her husband James Placido, 12 years her junior, in August last summer, and reckoned there was no reason why Cheryl and Liam couldn’t go the distance.

“Like James [her husband], Liam also seems like an old soul, so I don’t think Cheryl will find him to be childish. If rumours are to be believed, then he utterly adores her and I think that’s what she needs… The beauty of Liam is not only that he’s young, fit and fun, he’s also sensible, mature and experienced. After all, he has travelled the world with the planet’s biggest boyband, so he understands the world of showbiz as much as Cheryl.”

More: Perrie Edwards approves of Cheryl Fernandez-Versini’s relationship with Liam Payne