Photographers spoke to Liam Payne last night (January 15) at Los Angeles' L.A.X. airport and the One Direction star told them that the band is not over, not by a long chalk. He said:

"No, no, no, no, no. We just got nominated for two BRITs!"

When asked if there was any chance of Zayn Malik coming back, Payne replied: 'Who knows."

On being probed if he wants Malik to return, he answered: "He's just doing his own thing. I've spoken to him. I missed his birthday! God damn it!"

He continued that he would definitely welcome Malik back into the group as he 'loves him.'  Watch the TMZ footage here.

It was Zayn Malik's 23rd birthday on January 12.

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Listen to a snippet of Liam Payne's solo music below: