Last night, during the X Factor Final One Direction – the biggest band in the world (like, statistically speaking) – announced that they are taking a break.
In a poignant moment, six years after the band were united on the X factor stage by music mogul, Simon Cowell, 1D announced they were going away for a year to take a little break from being the biggest boy band ever.
They launched into their song 'History', valiantly keeping it together as they sang: ‘You and me gotta whole lotta history…’
After the emotional performance, Liam thanked the show and the band’s army of fans, the Directioners (and the universe at large) for a wonderful five years. He said: ‘We’re sad that we’re going away [from the fans] for a little while but we need it…what you see here on stage is genuine happiness and it’s all because of you guys.’
The band also took to Twitter to say goodbye:
But – since Zayn Malik went solo this summer – we all kind of saw this coming. Which means the ELLE team can (probably) see into the future. We're now putting our newfound psychic abilities to good use, as we predict what Harry, Liam, Niall and Louis will all be getting up to in their year long sabbatical.
Harry Styles; the long-haired heartthrob turned interior designer
Laurence Lewellyn-Bowen, watch your back. If his untamed tresses and printed suits are anything to go by, it looks like Harry Styles is after your job. Armed with a contact book full of A-list superstars with beautiful homes and bottomless wallets, we think Harry’s prospective interior design and print-making business could have wings. Or at least velvet wingback armchairs. Now, there’s an episode of DIY SOS vs. MTV Cribs we’d like to see.
Liam Payne; the perfectly-preened heartthrob turned Benefit BrowBar boy
From a full head of hair to a fully formed brow; Harry Styles recently embarrassed his bandmate, Liam by tweeting that the eldest member of 1D shampoos his eyebrows. Social media prank or real life beauty routine? Regardless, we did Liam’s face fro and appreciate his dedication to good grooming. Any salon would be lucky to have him.
Niall Horan; Irish heartthrob turned golf-caddy
The self-confessed sports fan is undoubtedly partial to a spot of golf. He might even be a little bit obsessed with the idea of swinging a club at a tiny ball, smashing it off into the far distance and hoping it’ll land in an equally tiny hole 18 times in one day. And there’s nothing wrong with Argyll twinsets. Right? ELLE suggests you put your time on the course to good use and earn your gap year wages caddying for your golfing heroes. You already have a little experience, after caddying for Rory McIlroy. Maybe take the buggy this time, though.
Louis Tomlinson; the DILF heartthrob turned male nanny
Louis shocked fans in August when he announced he was expecting a child with Briana Jungwirth - with who he had enjoyed a brief fling after splitting from long-term girlfriend Eleanor Calder. Reports say that Briana has been seen close to Louis’ sister at 1D gigs and that the two expecting parents have introduced their families. With everything seeming rosey, perhaps Louis can put his fathering skills to good use and start a crèche. Who knows, with a little investment he could start a chain of Directioner Daycares.
Good luck to all the boys in all their future endeavours, love from the ELLE Team x
Words by Francesca Donovan
