Zayn Malik was the first to bite the dust to focus on his solo career and now the teen heartthrobs; featuring Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan are to follow suit.
A source close to the band, who got their start on UK’s version of the X-Factor, revealed to The Sun that the boys now want to focus on their individual pursuits.
“The guys have been together for five years, which is an incredible run for any boy band,” the Brit band insider began.
“They fully deserve to have at least a year to work on their own projects. There is absolutely no bad blood between them and they are all 100 per cent
behind the decision.”
Fans will be relieved, according to the close pal of One Direction, they told the UK tabloid, “It is definitely not a split and they fully intend to get back together at some time in the future.”
Many fans are heartbroken at the thought of 1D not launching a tour for their fifth album with their last full concert at Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on October 31.
For those of us who won’t be making a trip out to England to catch the boys performing for one last time, don’t fret! They’re expected to fulfil a host of TV appearances and performances before the end of the year to promote the release.
The insider explained: “Simon Cowell and his team at Syco couldn’t be more excited about the album.
“They believe there are at least three smash hit songs and they’ve got the boys to stay together for a few weeks beyond the end of the year to make the album a huge success.
Where it all began… One Direction during their X-Factor days.
“But there was a meeting recently where it was agreed there would be no tour for the album.
“That was a big call because it means come March, Harry, Liam, Louis and Niall will be free agents for the first time in five years.”
The boys have faced a few major setbacks over the past few months, most prominently the loss of fellow band member Zayn Malik back in March.
Despite that, the group were always going to take a hiatus.
The insider insisted: “This was the plan with or without Zayn. In fact, the band have been making amazing music and been incredibly happy without Zayn.
“Of course they would have preferred that he had stayed in the band, but they would have taken this extended hiatus even if he hadn’t left.”
The four boys are expected to take on their individual endeavours. Louis, who is about to become a father is also the front-runner to become an X-Factor judge next year.
Harry is on the fast-track to Hollywood while Liam and Niall are focusing on their own music.
No matter what the band do next, their millions of fans will be at the ready to support any direction they go down.
No doubt their fans will always adore the British lads.
