Simon Cowell on 'fantastic' new One Direction album: 'They've taken more risks'

Simon Cowell believes One Direction's next record is "fantastic".

The boyband are expected to release their fourth album in time for the Christmas market, with November being mooted.

Syco boss Cowell told Capital FM at the launch of the new UK X Factor series on Wednesday (August 27) that he is very impressed with what he has heard so far.

He added that One Direction are taking more risks on this record than on previous albums.

Cowell said: "The album's fantastic. There's probably five or six tracks I've already heard that could be singles. There's some very different kinds of songs than what we've done before, they've taken a few more risks. Most importantly, the boys love writing, they love recording.

"I went on Twitter recently to say I don't think they're going to split up, they're having too good a time! I think they could be doing this five, ten, twenty years if they wanted to."

The new series of the UK X Factor is due to return to TV screens on Saturday (August 30).

Watch Simon Cowell being interviewed below: