Will Liam Payne Become The Next 1D Father?

Here's some eyebrow-raising news for ya: Simon Cowell is talking about Cheryl (formerly Cheryl Cole) and Liam Payne having a baby. Kinda. In a new interview with The Mirror, the X Factor judge was asked about reports that the One Direction superstar, 22, and the British singer, 33, are trying to start a family — and guys, Cowell didn't exactly shy away from the topic. In fact, he smiled and discussed what a "good place" Cheryl's in now and how she'd be an "amazing mum." Yeah...

"I guess that is what happens when you are with someone," he replied. And that line has everyone freaking out. Does it refer to them actually having a baby or the rumors about them having a baby???

"Cheryl would be an amazing mum. I have seen her with my son Eric and other kids over the years and she is incredible," he continued. "She is very good with them. I think she is in a good place in her life right now. I had dinner with her a couple of months ago with Liam and they were great."

OK. So nowhere in there does Cowell actually spill any beans about Payne and Cheryl expecting a kid, so giant sigh of relief at that. But he appear to drop some hints that if it were to happen, they're in a good place and they're happy and all that. Which really couldn't help but remind me that he was one of the first people to learn of Louis Tomlinson's baby news...

Back in March, Tomlinson revealed that he told Cowell that he was going to be a father before he told most people.

"Simon is one of the first people I told about my son, Freddie," the 1D singer told Billboard at the time. "You can trust him."

Not to mention the fact that the One Direction mentor was also the first one to confirm to the public that Tomlinson, was, in fact, expecting a baby.

Now, this isn't to say that just because Tomlinson confided in Cowell about his own baby news that that's what's going on here with Payne and Cheryl. More so it's just an important piece of information in the whole puzzle — and it gives Cowell's words (hints?) some more weight. Still, with Payne about to embark on a solo career — he recently revealed that he signed with Capitol UK — now may not be the best time for him to become a first-time dad.

Do Cowell's comments have any serious meaning behind them? Looks like only time will tell.