Cheryl appears for the first time since splitting from Liam Payne at Simon Cowell's star-studded summer bash | London Evening Standard

Cheryl appears for the first time since splitting from Liam Payne at Simon Cowell's star-studded summer bash

Cheryl has returned to the limelight following her split with One Direction star Liam Payne.

The singer stunned in a bright orange dress as she appeared solo at Simon Cowell’s star-studded Syco bash at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Piers Morgan hailed the pop star’s return on Twitter and shared a picture of himself with Cheryl, joking the singer was "bouncing back with a new older man”.

Morgan, 53, wrote: “Cheryl bouncing back with a new older man strategy @CherylOfficial #CowellSummerParty," adding a hearts eyes emoji.

Cheryl, 35, and Payne announced earlier this month that they were calling it quits after two and a half years together.

The former Girls Aloud star and the One Direction singer, 24, announced their split in nearly identical social media posts.

Cheryl tweeted: "We are sad to announce that we are going our separate ways.

"It's been a tough decision for us to make.

"We still have so much love for each other as a family.

"Bear is our world and we ask that you respect his privacy as we navigate our way through this together."

The couple have a one-year-old son, Bear, together.