Louis Tomlinson has revealed his frustration at being regarded as One Direction's "kid at the back" as he talks candidly for the first time since the band announced their hiatus.
After questioning his role in the band week after week on the X Factor, he also said he found the industry's biggest names were more interested in Harry Styles when it came to going it alone.
Speaking to The Observer, Tomlinson also described how the death of his mother from cancer meant she was no longer around to offer words of encouragement when he questioned his ability.
Recalling the 2010 ITV competition, his third time on X Factor, Tomlinson revealed he was not given a solo part in any of the band's performances.
He told the Observer: "A lot of people can take the piss out of that. But when you actually think about how that feels, standing on stage every single week, thinking: 'What have I really done to contribute here?"
The Doncaster-born performer presumed he was known as "the kid wearing espadrilles, stood in't back".
1D's subsequent rise to pop domination is well-documented, clocking up four UK chart-topping singles and impressive worldwide record sales.
But while the band enjoyed phenomenal success, Tomlinson found himself taking on the less glamorous side of stardom.
"If there was any bad news that needed giving to the label I'd always be designated to have the argument," he said.
He also saw post-1D chart success with Just Hold On, a collaboration with US DJ Steve Aoki released in December.
The record reached No2 in the UK but the singer revealed the industry's biggest names are less eager to team up now the heady days of peak 1D are over.
"I couldn't say to you now that I could definitely get a superstar writer in a session with me. And I understand that."
He added: "Harry won't struggle with any of that."
