One Direction to Split in March to Pursue Solo Projects

#1 Then there were four: One Direction perform without Zayn Malik

One Direction are to split in march 2016 for at least a year as they pursue solo projects.

They will not be touring their fifth album, which is to be released at Christmas.

This comes five months after Zayn Malik quit the band amid rumours he wanted a solo career.

Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson held crunch talks to decide whether to disband.

#2

A source told the Sun: "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.

"It is definitely not a split and they fully intend to get back together at some time in the future.

"But for now it is the end and they go out on top as the world's most popular music act."

Their final show will be at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on October 31.

The band have sold more than 50 million records.

Harry Styles and Niall Horan are both tipped to start their solo careers, while Liam Payne wants to produce, and Louis Tomlinson hopes to start a record label.

#3

The source added to The Sun that Zayn Malik's shock departure in March was not a factor in the split and it would have happened with or without him.

Indeed the news should not come as a shock as just a few weeks ago, Liam insisted the group were desperately in need of some time out.

We wish the lads all the best for their future!