THIS year marks a decade since One Direction went on an indefinite hiatus, promising fans they hoped to reunite at some point in the near future.
But they declined the opportunity to get back together in honour of their late bandmate Liam Payne at next month’s Brit Awards and The Sun can now reveal the team behind Harry Styles strongly oppose a return to the group.
He has become the breakout superstar from the band and has carved out a carefully manicured image away from some of the group’s cheesy music.
It has led his team to rule out working with Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.
They believe it would not make financial sense for the foreseeable future, as he could risk losing the kudos he has built up in the industry.
A music insider said: “Thousands of hours of blood, sweat and tears have gone into making Harry a superstar and he has spent a decade getting to a place of respect and legitimacy in the music business.
“He has won awards and hit new heights away from the band. Any return would be a major step back.
“Harry knows it already but his team have been very clear that it would be a bad idea at any point in the foreseeable future.
“Everyone from Stevie Nicks to Shania Twain has praised Harry as a solo star and plaudits like that aren’t easy to earn.
“Reunions can often be seen as a cash grab too. It would just look like he has lost faith in his solo career if he bowed out to do something which he knows will be an easy earner in the short term.
“They had amazing success as a group as youngsters, but it’s a different climate for boybands now and even they might struggle with new music.”
A second source added: “At the height of their fame in 2014 they played three sold out shows at Wembley Stadium which was huge at the time.
“But Harry has reached new levels with his solo stardom and he did six nights at the same venue on his last tour.
“It would make no sense financially for him to reunite with them on a tour where he’d then have to split the profits four ways.
“Acts don’t just tour for fun. It’s a job at the end of the day, so you’ve got to think about the money.”
Hopes had been raised recently after all four members came together for Liam’s funeral.
It was the first time they had been in the same room since Zayn dramatically quit the band in March 2015.
He has won awards and hit new heights away from the band. Any return would be a major step back
Music insider
Last month it was also revealed Louis was back in regular contact with Zayn, and he attended the latter’s show in Los Angeles.
Weeks earlier, hundreds of fans had raced to buy tickets for next week’s Brit Awards amid a rumour that the group would be on stage paying tribute to Liam.
But that has now been ruled out, with the Brits saying they will honour him in another way.
When it was originally revealed that the group were “taking a break” in 2015, they insisted it was only temporary.
Niall said at the time: “Ok so Lots of rumours going round. We are not splitting up, but we will be taking a well earned break at some point next year.”
Now bookies are taking bets on a reunion with “at least three members” — acknowledging that Harry is unlikely to ever return — with odds of 4/1 of that taking place this year.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “We’re refusing to rule out a sensational and emotional 1D reunion at some point this year.”
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.
