Westlife singer-turned-solo star Shane Filan has said that One Direction need to take an extended break because the boyband could not keep going at the pace of the past five years.
Speaking to Eoghan McDermott on his RTÉ 2fm show, Filan, who had only just heard the news that One Direction would be going on hiatus next year, said: "They're the biggest [boy] band in the world, obviously, and they have been for a long time.
"When you're in that bubble of One Direction . . . Westlife [was a] similar kind of thing - it was crazy. It was mental busy. They're all over the world; they've America [to tour] as well. They've been flat out going for five years . . . I think a break probably is a good thing," he said.
Filan thinks the time away from One Direction will see the quartet "come back fresh" and with millions of fans still waiting for an album.
"It's one of those things that you can't keep going at that pace," he explained. "We did it - we kept going all the way along - but I'd say they've [One Direction's Niall Horan] haven't been in Ireland in six months. They're constantly on tour and with social media now it's fairly flat out."
The singer, who releases his new solo album Right Here on September 25, said he doubted whether the members of One Direction would even focus on solo careers during their break.
"You never know with bands," he said. "You'll have different people wanting to do different things. I'd say they're genuinely just tired - I doubt it's even solo stuff; I'd say they're just tired and need a break for themselves.
"To be at that level and keep it going, a lot of bands end up exploding and not getting on any more. And that's when it's not good," he added.
One Direction's Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne had earlier broken their silence via Twitter to reassure fans that it is "just a break" and not the beginning of the end for the group.
On Tuesday morning, Payne thanked fans for their support, and said he was glad "everything has been cleared up" following reassuring tweets from Horan and Tomlinson.
So glad everything has been cleared up today and ur support with it is amazing not that we could ever expect anything less your amazing
— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) August 25, 2015
"Can't wait to put more time into everything we do and coming out with something great. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us it's been the most amazing five years and there's so much more to come," he said.
Can't wait to put more time into everything we do and coming out with something great
— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) August 25, 2015
Thank you so much for everything you have done for us it's been the most amazing five years and there's so much more to come
— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) August 25, 2015
On Monday night, Horan had tweeted: "Ok so lots of rumours 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."
Tomlinson followed suit, adding: "Your support is truly indescribably! It's just a break :) we're not going anywhere!!"
Former X Factor judge Louis Walsh, who manages Shane Filan, has said that he thinks that Niall Horan could surprise everybody if he goes it alone.
Speaking to RTÉ News, Walsh said: "I think they're all going to stay in the music business. I think Harry's definitely going to be - he's the obvious star in this group.
"But Niall is the one to watch. Niall Horan, the Irish guy. He's got a big following; I think he'll quietly do something."
Following the big news for #1D fans #LouisWalsh says #NiallHoran is "the one to watch". @onedirection @NiallOfficial https://t.co/tKszytn0Au
— RTÉ TEN (@RTE_TEN) August 24, 2015
It has been reported that Mullingar native Horan has already worked on solo material with another of the town's stars, Bressie.
Walsh said of the boyband's decision to part company temporarily: "I knew it was going to happen because all these boybands, they have about five years at the top."
In #NiallHoran's hometown, Mullingar, #1D fans react to the news they're taking a break @onedirection @NiallOfficial https://t.co/Gene7jSNKb
— RTÉ TEN (@RTE_TEN) August 24, 2015
"These guys were working so hard - they needed a break. So they're taking a break and I think they're all going to do pretty well out of it," he said.
"It's not the end; it's just the next chapter for One Direction."
A look back at the life and times of 1D so far before they embark on New Directions https://t.co/WcCWwWNlKr
— RTÉ TEN (@RTE_TEN) August 24, 2015
