The band - made up of Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Liam Payne - is reportedly set to go on hiatus when the group have finished promoting and touring for their upcoming fifth studio album in 2016.

It is said each of the boys wants some time to "step back and consider what they want to do next" after Louis, 23, was reportedly offered a spot on this year's 'The X Factor' judging panel next to their record label boss Simon Cowell and Harry, 21, is thought to be considering a solo career.

A source said: "The band are to go on a break after promoting the fifth album next year, possibly with a number of live tour dates around the world.

"Simon Cowell is supportive of what they need to do because he wants the band to stay together in some form for a very long time.

"They have been working non-stop for five years, sold millions of albums and become some of the biggest celebrities in the world. At some point they have to take time off to step back and consider what they want to do next.

"What's almost certain is there will be no 1D music next year."

It is reported Louis, Liam, 21, and Niall, 21, are all keen to reunite following their time off but doubts about the future of the boyband lie with Harry, who was also recently said to have been offered the chance to star in a Hollywood blockbuster by legendary film producer, Harvey Weinstein.

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "The reality is that once a boyband takes a break, it's often the beginning of the end. They're adults now and have their own interests.

"Niall, Louis and Liam would want to get back together after the break but the big question mark is over Harry, who has lots of options."

However, Harry recently insisted he has no plans to follow in former member Zayn Malik's footsteps after he quit the group in March this year and has urged his bandmates to stay "focussed".

He said: "We have the album and the tour that we're working on right now. And I think, when you have so many goals that you feel you have yet to achieve, it's kind of hard to see past those.

"I think it's important to focus on what's going on and don't lose track. We're all working toward the same thing right now, and I don't think we're thinking much past that."