Liam Payne Reflects on One Direction’s Hiatus and His Newly Single Status

Suffice it to say that 2015 has been a veritable roller coaster for One Direction fans everywhere. Zayn Malik confirmed his departure in March. They announced their fifth album Made in the A.M. seemingly out of nowhere at the end of July, following the surprise release of the album's first single "Drag Me Down."

Then in August, the group announced that they'll be taking an extended hiatus in 2016 — and will not tour in support of their fifth album, according to the Mirror. The members will purportedly use this time away from each other to pursue solo careers, which People mentions has been speculated for quite some time.

Now, Liam Payne has spoken publicly about the group's extended hiatus, offering his own mixed reaction to the news. According to Press Party, Liam told The Sun that having free time was both disconcerting and comforting all at once: "I've been on the road for five years, from my teens to my early twenties. I'm sure it will be strange to be at home after life on the road, but it's a good job I'm such a great cook!"

Payne also discussed how his long stretches of time on the road put a great deal of strain on his relationship with Sophia Smith, which led to his recent decision to officially split with her (via Just Jared) following some frustratingly vague tweets about finding solace in music.

"I'm absolutely devastated to have split with Sophia," Payne admitted. "Being on the tour all this year and being away from her was so hard. We spent so much time apart. But in order to do right by somebody sometimes it's better not to do what your heart wants, but to do what's better for them. Right now I'm looking forward to some alone time to figure out who I am and what I want to be."

Calling all single ladies: it looks like Liam's got plenty of time and food on his hands and a vacant spot on his arm, so use the band's extended hiatus accordingly.

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