As heartbroken Directioners are still dwelling over the news of One Direction‘s extended hiatus, Simon Cowell admitted that he has “known for a while” that this break was coming — and much needed. Once they begin their break in March of 2016, the group will have completed five albums and four corresponding tours in just five years.
“Look, even though they’re young, that is a gruelling schedule,” Cowell told media at the launch of X Factor UK‘s twelvth season. “After a while I could see they were exhausted, so when they said, ‘How do you feel about it?’ I said, ‘Do whatever you want.’ Having a year off is going to be a healthy thing.”
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Niall Horan almost immediately reassured fans on Twitter Monday (Aug. 24) that the break does not mean a breakup, as he and the rest of the group “still have lots we want to achieve.” Shortly after, Louis Tomlinson chimed in, tweeting “we’re not going anywhere!” As for Cowell, he’s hoping Horan and Tomlinson keep their promises of reuniting — but he’s going to stay out of it.
“I hope so, but like I said, it’s not going to be because of any pressure from me,” he said. “It really has to be, like we said in the beginning, this is an opportunity, you won it. I’ve always had that attitude with them. They’re nice guys and they’re loyal so it’ll be fine.”
Although he’s not certain what the post-hiatus future looks like for 1D, Cowell trusts that the boys will “work it out” and make the best move for them.
“It’s not over yet,” he continued. “They’re going to take some time off and they’re going to decide what they want to do.”