Liam Payne has sparked speculation that One Direction may permanently call it quits after he confirmed that he had signed a solo record deal.
The One Direction star said he's "really happy" at the deal and said he will shortly head into the studio to work on his first album.
"I'm really happy to have signed to such a prestigious label as Capitol Records UK. Capitol Records has an amazing history stretching right back before even Frank Sinatra and I'm really looking forward to becoming part of their story", he said.
Payne, who sold over 20 million records with 1D and is currently in a relationship with Cheryl Cole, said the band still remained hugely important to him.
"One Direction will always be my family; I'm now excited to show what I can do as a solo artist", he said.
Nick Raphael, president of Capitol Records UK, said that the label was "incredibly excited to be working with Liam" and added that "It's not often you get the chance to sign such a talented and ambitious 22-year-old who has already conquered the world."
However his move is likely to fuel more speculation that One Direction, who are currently on a break, may permanently split up.
Zayn Malik, who quit the band last year is the only former member to so-far release a solo album, while Harry Styles is currently filming the Christopher Nolan directed World War II movie Dunkirk, alongside Irish actors Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan.
Mullingar man Niall Horan is working on various projects, though he recently admitted that there is "nothing in the pipeline" with his solo career, while Louis Tomlinson is occupied with fatherhood and television appearances as a guest talent show judge.
