The former One Direction star surprised fans with the announcement, which he revealed on stage at one of his packed-out shows. The news comes following the end of his world tour, "The Show", which wrapped up in Columbia on Wednesday.

Niall took to the stage at the Movistar Arena, having performed 87 gigs around the globe, to tell concertgoers that he planned to "disappear for a while". However, the 31-year-old did offer fans a glimmer of hope, promising to return from his hiatus with a new album.

"This stands from tomorrow onwards, you'll never find me. I'm gonna be hungover as f*** tomorrow!", Niall joked.

"And I'm gonna disappear for a while. I'm gonna make you guys a brand new album and I will be back, I promise", he revealed.

Niall returned home to Ireland to play two Dublin gigs during his successful tour at the end of August. He surprised excited fans at one of the sold-out concerts, held at Royal Hospital Kilmainham, by welcoming his close pal Ed Sheeran out on stage.

The pair performed a rendition of One Direction's hit song "Little Things", which Ed co-wrote for the boy band at the time.

Niall and Ed went on to spend the night at a semi-exclusive speakeasy bar, Hacienda, which is located on Little Mary Street in Smithfield. The quaint pub has become famous for hosting an impressive list of A-Listers while they visit the capital city, including pop icons Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo.

* This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.