One Direction to split forever?

Although they promised fans that their extended 2016 'break' was definitely not a 'break up', things for One Direction are looking up either way.

According to Daily Mail, One Direction are now said to be splitting for good because the four remaining bandmembers - Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson - have reportedly not renewed their contracts.

Sources say the band has finally run its course following the departure of fifth member Zayn Malik in March 2015 and their subsequent decision to take time off that August.

The close source claimed the boys decided 'not to renew their recording contract' when their On The Road Again tour came to a close on October 31, 2015.

'The 1D thing just ran its course,' the source explained. 'They'll remain friends, but they are exhausted and want solo careers.'

Nevertheless, a representative for the band denied the latest reports and insisted that they were untrue explaining: 'The story is fabrication and speculation. One Direction have clarified the situation on numerous occasions now.'

At the time of the shock news, both Niall and Louis reportedly reassured fans that their break was temporary, despite saying it would last at least a year.

Appearing to straighten out the news, Niall tweeted that week: 'Ok so Lots of rumours going round. We are not splitting up, but we will be taking a well earned break at some point next year. Don't worry though, we still have lots we want to achieve !'

Louis also took to social media to clarify: 'Your support is truly indescribable! It's just a break :) we're not going anywhere!!'

It's hoped the four boys will make more progress as individuals than old friend Zayn, who cut ties with the band in March last year and has yet to produce any material of his own.

Even though it's been little more than weeks since the hiatus came into effect, the boys - who were a band for five years in total - have been seen to make rapid advances in their respective solo career.

'Harry is launching a career in acting and singing,' the source continued to a magazine, appearing to support reports that Harry wants to move to Hollywood and has already been scouted by international-selling music producer Jay Z.

A second insider as said of his bandmate: 'Liam is really interested in songwriting and production.'

Just this week, Liam was reportedly pictured hanging out with American rap artist Juicy J and has already laid down five tracks on which he sings and raps.

Meanwhile, with a baby on the way, a friend confirmed that Louis is also moving to Los Angeles, where the mother of his expectant child Briana Jungwirth will live, Daily Mail reported .

The source revealed that singer is planning to be a hands-on dad and support Briana in any way he can.

The pal said: 'Although they're not romantically involved, Louis thinks Briana is a great woman and will be a fabulous mother.

'Louis has been helping Briana financially and is prepared to get stuck in with all the tasks that caring for a baby demands.'

The Doncaster-raised star's LA move also means he will be close to his new girlfriend Danielle Campbell, who stars in The Vampire Diaries spin-off The Originals.

Finally, Ellie Goulding has said she reportedly plans to record music with ex-boyfriend and 1D bandmate Niall in the forthcoming year.

She said: 'He's a good friend of mine. It goes without saying that writing a song with someone you are friends with and someone you get on with, you can't really replace that with anything.

'I write the best songs with someone I feel truly comfortable with. So, definitely I think it will be a laugh.'