‘Harry Styles doesn’t need a One Direction reunion – he’s bigger than the band ever were’

Louis Walsh remembers bringing One Direction up in The X Factor, where he recalled Harry Styles was always a “star in his own right” – and as a result, doesn’t need a reunion.

Piers Morgan and Louis Walsh clash over Eurovision

One Direction fans have been begging for some kind of reunion since they split up back in 2016.

The band, who sold more than 70 million records worldwide, became an almost overnight phenomenon when they first appeared on The X Factor back in 2010.

But, after their split, the members all began solo careers, with Harry Styles catapulting himself to the top of the charts with three number-one albums.

He has since headlined Wembley Stadium, and countless other stadiums around the globe. As a result, Louis Walsh believes Harry “does not need” any kind of One Direction reunion in the coming years.

Speaking exclusively to Alex Apati of Ladbrokes LIVE, Walsh said: “Harry was always going to be this pop star. He doesn’t need a reunion. He’s a star in his own right.”

Louis went on to condemn One Direction, saying: “He’s bigger than the band ever were … I wouldn’t recommend [a reunion], actually. Harry Styles doesn’t need it. It’s like how George Michael didn’t need Wham!, Robbie [Williams] didn’t need Take That. They might just do it for a TV show or a charity event, or something like that. But that’ll be it.”

The former X Factor judge went on to speak about Zayn Malik and his solo music, as well.

Zayn was the first member of the boy band to release his own music but has since gone quiet in recent years.

“I’m surprised Zayn [Malik] hasn’t brought out more music,” Louis confessed. “Because I thought he was very talented. Maybe in time, we’ll see them get back together, but I don’t see it.”

Looking back on their relationship, Louis confessed he doesn’t speak to the band anymore.

“I don’t keep in touch with any of the guys from One Direction,” he admitted. “They were great for the show, and Simon [Cowell] very much made them what they were. They were very raw at the start, but he made them good, and he gave them great songs. He gave them a lot of time, and then he signed them to his label.”

He went on to add: “It’s all about the songs, and they had great sons after the show. It’s the same reason why Take That and Westlife are still as big as they are today; it’s the songs.”