It’s been more than 10 years since Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan started their journey on the UK’s X-Factor talent show. Although they did not win the competition, luck and timing was on their side – they went on to form one of the biggest boy bands in the world . One Direction found unprecedented global mainstream success in the 2010s, but fame took a toll on the group after they’d reached several milestones and smashed numerous records. In early 2015, Malik left the group, and the four remaining members announced an extended hiatus that same year. Since then though, the young men have each carved a successful career of their own. Last month, fans got word that the boys might reunite, but the rumours remain unfounded – not least because of Styles’ blossoming career. Payne’s remarks about former bandmate Malik also lead us to believe that a reunion is unlikely. Who is the richest woman in the world right now? (No, it’s not Kim K) So how are the boys doing, and why has only one of them been making headlines lately? Liam Payne continues to be controversial Payne, 28, sparked fans’ ire when he aired his bandmates’ dirty laundry on Impaulsive, Logan Paul’s podcast, earlier this month. Payne said that he and Tomlinson didn’t get along, and explained how he’d had an argument with an unnamed bandmate who he said “threw me up a wall”. He also took a swipe at Malik, commenting on his former bandmate’s feud with Paul’s brother, Jake, and allegations that Malik had pushed Gigi Hadid’s mother, Yolanda , during an altercation. While he said “there are many reasons why I dislike Zayn” he later insisted he’d always be on his side. I was saying that there will always be things we disagree on but that I will always, always be on his side. That’s family. Zayn is my brother and I will stand by him forever. — Liam (@LiamPayne) June 2, 2022 But what really annoyed fans was his claim that he had the most successful career of all the former bandmates, boasting that his solo track, Strip that Down “outsold everybody within the band”. His statements about Malik in particular received a strong backlash online, prompting him to apologise. Oh, and the less said about his complicated love life , the better. Who is the father of Amber Heard’s baby? Meet daughter Oonagh Paige Zayn Malik is releasing limited-edition merchandise But Malik, 29, has seemed unbothered by Payne’s catty remarks. A day later after the podcast episode was released, he unveiled his merchandise collection, Paynt by Zayn, featuring his artwork. Zayn via his instagram story for the Arnette collab. pic.twitter.com/hwi1qZHuJf — ZAYN MALIK PROMO (@ZAYNxPROMO) June 1, 2022 He also announced a new limited-edition frame in his Instagram Story that will be added to the Zayn x Arnette range. He has previously collaborated with the brand and been personally responsible for designing his own items. Harry Styles is acting, touring and topping the Billboard charts Styles, 28, meanwhile, seems to be crushing it. First, the trailer for his new film Don’t Worry Darling , directed by his girlfriend Olivia Wilde and starring Florence Pugh, was just released. And, not content with being a star of the silver screen, he will also go on a world tour until March 2023, as per his website. Still musically successful, his new album, “Harry’s House” topped the Billboard 200 albums chart and sold over 500,000 equivalent album units in the US in a week, according to Billboard ’s official website. Inside Dream Kardashian’s fabulous life, from baby Bentleys to Amazon ads Louis Tomlinson is poised to release his second album Like Styles, Tomlinson, 30, is on a world tour until September. He is also poised to release a second solo album this year, a follow-up to his debut album, “Walls”, released in 2020. Niall Horan is ‘deep in thought’ Fans labelled him “unproblematic king” after he shared a snap of himself wearing headphones and captioned it “always deep in thought” in a bid to brush off the Payne drama. The post also included photos of him in a recording studio, suggesting that the 28-year-old might be working on new music as well. In May, it was reported that the singer had put his Irish mansion on sale for US$810,000 (€775,000). Want more stories like this? Follow STYLE on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter .