Liam Payne gushes over new girl Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

One Direction star Liam Payne has gushed girlfriend Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is his "favorite woman in the world".

The 22-year-old was first linked to the former Girls Aloud singer last month (Feb16), and he has since shared a number of pictures of new couple together on social media.

On Tuesday (08Mar16), he made his biggest statement yet, posting a photo of the 32-year-old on Instagram to celebrate International Women's Day.

"Happy #internationalwomensday to my favorite woman in the world," Liam wrote. "hope I make you as happy as u make me X (sic)".

In the picture, Cheryl can be seen posing in an oversized red jumper with her head tilted to the side and her hair tumbling around her shoulders, while she smiles sweetly at the camera.

After British newspaper The Sun first reported the musicians were a couple, Liam confirmed the news by changing his Instagram profile picture to a black and white shot of the pair together. He also updated his status to "happy".

Their romance has raised eyebrows considering the age gap, and following his latest post, a number of his fans went on the attack for failing to also honor his mom or sisters.

"@Real_Liam_Payne says the one who says a short term gf (girlfriend) is his favorite woman, instead of his mom or smth (something). But that's none of my business" one follower wrote, while another added: "@Real_Liam_Payne what about your MOTHER AND YOUR SISTERS?!!"

The backlash prompted the star to take to Twitter for the first time since 26 February (16) and respond: "Wow the Internet is a dark place these days".

Liam had previously been in a two-year relationship with student Sophia Smith, while Cheryl is still legally married to second husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini, who she is currently divorcing.