The X Factor's Louis Walsh predicts the future of One Direction in a world exclusive chat with Digital Spy - and let's just say he's not looking forward to Zayn's rumoured TV show.
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In a candid chat with X Factor's silver-tongued legend (sorry Simon!), Louis doubled down on his prediction that 1D's hiatus will probably last for at least a decade.
"Harry is going to be a real star," Louis assured us, before admitting: "I don't know what's going to happen with Zayn.
"Niall is probably the one to watch. He might surprise us all, if he gets the right song. It's all about the record label and who is managing him and all that.
"Louis will be a manager. Liam might surprise us with songs because I think he is quite a good songwriter."
Louis's faith in Liam Payne is definitely a bit surprising, since Liam recently annoyed X Factor boss Simon Cowell by signing a solo deal with a non-Syco record label.
As for Zayn, Louis didn't hold back while mocking reports that the 'Pillowtalk' singer is now working on a TV drama about the rise of a 1D-esque boyband.
"Zayn doesn't talk. What's he going to do on a TV show?" Louis zinged. "You've got to talk! He doesn't like crowds. He might not go on!"
Ouch!
Whatever the future of One Direction, we know Louis will be looking for "the next big boyband" (a phrase he's practically copyrighted) on the new series of The X Factor.
Back behind the judges' table with Louis are Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and, of course, Simon Cowell when The X Factor returns on Saturday (August 27) at 8pm on ITV.
Watch a trailer below:
Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.
