AFTER bursting onto the scene in 2010, One Direction took the world by storm before breaking up five years later.
Sadly in October 2024, fans suffered more heartache when singer Liam Payne tragically passed away. Here we look at the boy band’s rise to fame and why they ultimately split.
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One Direction was formed on The X Factor on July 23, 2010.
The band comprised of the late Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik.
Individually, the boys – who were all teenagers at the time – were almost sent home on the ITV talent show.
However, the judges decided that they were “too talented” to be leaving the competition, and instead banded the strangers together, beginning their One Direction journey.
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One Direction is born
During their time on X Factor they started to build up a huge fanbase.
But despite their popularity, they came third on the show that year and were beaten to the post by Matt Cardle.
However, this didn’t stop the five lads and they went on to do something many other British boy bands have failed to do – achieve global domination.
Their army of fans – known as Directioners – followed the boys around the world.
During their five year reign they sold more than 50 million records, had four No1 singles and five top ten albums.
Their catchy tunes like What Makes You Beautiful, Perfect, and Drag Me Down, helped secure their status as the biggest boy band in the world.
The break-up
However, things took an unexpected turn on March 25, 2015.
It all happened when Zayn Malik suddenly quit the band, citing “stress”, after leaving the group’s world tour.
It didn’t take long for the rest of the band to split later that year, and despite reassuring fans the break wouldn’t be permanent — it ended up being that way.
In 2020, Liam talked to The Sun about the group’s success post-split: “It’s insane, it really is.
“I still can’t believe, I still feel like I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.
“It’s amazing and everyone’s had such great success. It’s been great hearing a lot of Harry’s stuff at the moment.
“Adore You, I see it in the charts all the time.
“I think he’s really found his sound at the moment which is a joy to watch.”
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Tragic death
Sadly on October 16, 2024, Liam suddenly passed away after falling from his third floor hotel balcony, in Argentina – he was just 31.
His heartbroken former bandmates each paid their own emotional tribute, as well as sending a joint one.
Louis was the first to pen a heartbreaking post to his friend, where he talked of his “devastation” at losing Liam.
In one part of his lengthy tribute, he wrote: “I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother.
“Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.”
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Harry echoed Louis‘ tribute and wrote: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.”
Zayn took to Instagram to share his own emotional message, and wrote: “Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
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“When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
Heartbroken Niall had been with Liam just days before his death.
The singer’s brother posted on his behalf and wrote: “”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.
One Direction’s Liam Payne statement in full
The statement released on October 17, 2024 read: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing.
“In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.
“For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
“We will miss him terribly.
“We love you Liam.”
The statement was Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.