In March, Zayn Malik released a statement announcing that he was leaving boy-band phenomenon, One Direction in order to focus on his life outside of the band and pursue a solo career.
The remaining four – Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Liam Payne – have stated numerous times to fans and press that they would not be splitting up, despite Mailk’s departure. But today, it was announced that they will be pursuing solo projects while remaining as a band.
A source told People Magazine that “The boys know that by sticking together they can still pursue everything they want to do as a foursome, as well as individually. Harry, Louis, Liam and Niall are all very loyal to each other and support each other’s future together and on solo projects, music or otherwise”
The news is now fuelling rumours that Tomlinson could be filling Louis Walsh’s spot on the judging panel of The X Factor, as well as launching his own record label. Lead singer, Styles, is also said to be among the first to go solo.
The band are currently in Europe, on their ‘On the Road Again’ world tour and will be returning to the UK in September for six consecutive nights at London’s O2 Arena.
Watch One Direction’s first interview after Malik’s departure on The Late Late Show with James Corden below.
