Sarah Harding thinks Cheryl has achieved her "ultimate goal" in becoming a mother

Speaking to the new issue of OK! magazine, she said: "I'm really happy for her. Cheryl has been broody for years. I think she's wanted a baby since Kimberley [Walsh] first fell pregnant. Cheryl has achieved a lot in her career but becoming a mum was always her ultimate goal. She's been through a lot so I'm glad Cheryl's got her happy ending with Liam. She has always been very maternal."

The 35-year-old beauty also admitted she can't understand why the 10-year age difference between Cheryl and Liam caused such a stir as people should just be pleased they are happy together.

Sarah said: "I don't know Liam but he seems like a nice girl. I know some people were surprised by the age difference but I don't see what the fuss is about. There's nothing wrong with a little age gap, especially when you get to our age."

Liam, 23, and Cheryl, 33, revealed last month they had become parents after sharing a photo of the One Direction singer cradling the newborn on Instagram.

Speaking about becoming a dad, Liam said: "My close friends and family know there are very few times when I'm left speechless ... wow! I'm incredibly happy to welcome our new baby boy into the world, it's a moment that I will never forget for the rest of my life and my favourite memory I have so far. I'm completely in awe of his incredible mother and how she has been the whole way through this, she's really made my dreams come true. We haven't named him yet but he's already capturing hearts including mine. I feel very blessed.

"Happy Mother's Day everyone! (sic)."

Cheryl wrote: "On Wednesday 22nd March Liam and I became parents to an incredibly beautiful, healthy baby boy, weighing 7lb 9 and looking like a dream. Although he still doesn't have a name he is already stealing hearts. We are all madly in love and overwhelmingly happy with our little arrival. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers around the world. A day that now has a different meaning to me forever (sic)."