‘I’m very excited’: Liam Payne signs solo deal as fans worry about his One Direction comments

Liam Payne has announced some pretty huge news – he’s officially signed a solo record deal.

The 22-year-old One Direction star made the revelation to his Twitter followers last night and spoke of how much he’s looking forward to getting started with Capitol Records.

‘Happy to have signed to @CapitolUK. They have an amazing history of artists, I hope I can follow in their footsteps,’ Liam posted.

‘One direction will always be my home and family but I’m very excited to see what this chapter brings.’

He also said in a statement that he’s keen to ‘show what I can do as a solo artist’.

Nick Raphael, president of Capitol Records UK, adds: ‘It’s not often you get the chance to sign such a talented and ambitious 22-year-old who has already conquered the world.’

Liam is the latest member of 1D to embark on a solo career after Harry Styles signed up with Columbia.

Meanwhile former bandmate Zayn Malik has already conquered the charts on his own since leaving the group last year, having released debut album Mind Of Mine a few months ago.

Liam’s news has certainly got the Directioners talking and, whilst many are excited about his upcoming venture, others are concerned that his remarks about 1D mean the band are never getting back together. Like, ever.

The hashtag #OneDirectionIsOverParty started trending on Twitter as worried fans questioned whether it’s all over…

Liam Removed https://t.co/e0G4bdPdNe from his bio which means its over.#OneDirectionIsOverParty pic.twitter.com/lwQ2IEvt6R

— One Direction (@1DsVocal) July 21, 2016

I feel as though we all knew that one direction was over but none of us wanted to realise it; now it’s sunk in… 😔 #OneDirectionIsOverParty

— Ꮶiara♡ (@_CalumMalum) July 21, 2016

Whut? 😔
Liam’s going solo? #ThisIsTheEnd

— Mebet Saphi (@mebet_saphi) July 21, 2016

And the idea that One Direction might NOT come back has clearly come as quite a blow to many…

Representation of 1D fandom:#OneDirectionIsOverParty pic.twitter.com/XEXifA9C9Y

— One Direction (@Muki_1D) July 21, 2016

“One direction will always be my home and my family” #OneDirectionIsOverParty pic.twitter.com/fI9hU97zFn

— ℳӃ ପଓ･ﾟ (@_addictofhxrry) July 21, 2016

Yikes. There’s been no official word that this IS the end of 1D though and lots of fans are trying to spread this message.

I STILL BELIEVE IN ONE DIRECTION
AND YOU GUYS SHOULD TOO.#OneDirectionIsOverParty pic.twitter.com/IegwwYEQpS

— One Direction (@Muki_1D) July 21, 2016

There’s no word yet on when we might expect to hear new music from Liam but it looks like both he and girlfriend Cheryl could have records on the way, with Chezza teasing her fanbase about making more tunes in recent months.

Exciting times for Chiam – but uncertain ones for One Direction fans.

Anna Francis