The 21-year-old singer has assured fans he and his bandmates, Harry Styles, 21, Liam Payne, 21, and Louis Tomlinson, 23, "still have lots to achieve" together even though they "will be taking a well-earned break at some point next year."

The 'Drag Me Down' hit maker took to Twitter to address recent rumors they have decided to take an extended hiatus to focus on individual projects, writing: "Ok so lots of rumors going round. We are not splitting up, but we will be taking a well-earned break at some point next year.

"Don't worry though, we still have lots we want to achieve ! Can't wait for you to hear all the new music we have for you and to perform some new songs as the tor continues! Love you all xx (sic)"

A insider previously claimed the group are planning to have at least twelve months apart from next March, but insisted there is no "bad blood" between them.

The source explained: "The guys have been together for five years, which is an incredible run for any boyband. 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."