One Direction's floppy-haired heartthrob has revealed that maintaining friendships he's had for years has become difficult since his rise to fame.

Speaking the the Loose Women hosts, Harry Styles explained that a lot of his friends seem to feel inadequate so there's a noticeable tension between them that makes things "awkward":

"I think a lot of people kind of feel like whatever they say isn't as exciting so they just don't know what to say to us. A lot of the time (with) friends that you've had for quite a while, it just becomes awkward."

Member Louis Tomlinson agreed and added that he has the same trouble: "You say, 'What have you been up to?' And they say, 'Nothing quite as exciting as what you've been doing!'"

The lads enjoyed great success during today's (November 14) midweek chart update as their new single 'Little Things' debuted at No.3 and their new record, 'Take Me Home', stole the top spot and is now at No.1.

Watch behind-the-scenes footage of Styles from a recent band photoshoot here: