Liam Payne’s ex-girlfriend, Sophia Smith, received an unforgettable Christmas gift this year: an engagement ring. On December 27, 2024, Smith shared the news on Instagram, revealing that her partner, James Bridgwood, proposed to her on Christmas Day. The proposal, which took place in their home, was captured in a heartwarming video. Smith posted the clip with the caption, “Yes a million times over ❤️ 25.12.24,” and it showed the couple, along with their daughter, Angelina, celebrating the special moment. The family was dressed in cozy pajamas as Bridgwood placed the ring on Smith’s finger, followed by a touching group hug.
The proposal scene was intimate and beautifully decorated, with rose petals scattered on the floor and a bottle of champagne, along with two glasses, placed next to the couple. Angelina, the couple’s young daughter, was part of the tender family moment, adding a special touch to the celebration. The intimate setting highlighted the love and closeness the family shares, making the engagement even more meaningful.
Smith and Bridgwood have kept much of their relationship private, but it’s known that they began dating sometime before June 2022, when Smith first shared a photo with Bridgwood on Instagram. The couple’s journey to parenthood became public in December 2022 when Smith announced her pregnancy. She posted a picture of her baby bump, tagging Bridgwood, and in April 2023, they welcomed their daughter, Angelina. The family marked their first Christmas together by taking festive photos with Santa Claus and enjoying a family portrait in front of a Christmas tree, which they also shared on social media.
Sophia Smith’s relationship with Liam Payne was well-known in the public eye. The two, who had known each other since childhood, began dating in May 2013, just after Payne ended his relationship with dancer Danielle Peazer. Payne revealed in an October 2015 interview that he had admired Smith from a young age, even before they began dating. He explained that he had a crush on her during their school days but assumed she wasn’t interested in him. After reconnecting at a friend’s party, the two started talking, and their relationship blossomed from there. Payne described it as a “childhood sweetheart” story and mentioned how he fell in love with her the moment their eyes met.
Their relationship was not without its challenges, but they were serious about their future. In the same interview, Payne shared that he and Smith had discussed marriage, but she had her own aspirations and did not want to become a “stay-at-home girlfriend.” Payne admired her ambition and encouraged her to follow her dreams, which ultimately contributed to their decision to go their separate ways in 2014. Despite their split, Payne’s song “Illusion” from One Direction’s 2014 album *Four* was said to have been written about Smith, highlighting the deep emotions he felt during their time together.
Following their breakup, Liam Payne moved on and had a high-profile relationship with singer Cheryl Cole. The two dated from 2016 to 2018, and their relationship, which resulted in the birth of their son, Bear, captured significant media attention. Payne’s romantic life has often been in the public spotlight, but his relationship with Sophia Smith remains one of the more memorable chapters of his personal history, particularly due to the longstanding connection they shared.
As for Sophia Smith, she and James Bridgwood have now entered an exciting new chapter in their lives. Their engagement comes at a time of significant growth for Smith, both as a mother and as a partner. The couple’s love story, while more private, appears to be one full of joy and support, marking a fresh start for their family. Fans are excited to see where this next step takes them as they continue to build a life together with their young daughter.