Harry Styles says just because some people don't "understand" the level of love fans have for One Direction, doesn't mean they can say it's "crazy".

Channel 4 broadcast the TV show Crazy About One Direction last month which observed the dedicated fan base of Styles and his bandmates Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.

Since the documentary was aired, One Direction fans and the band have been forced to defend themselves after what they claim is an unfair portrayal.

In an interview with the BBC Styles explained: : “I think at that age you are passionate about everything. [If] you remember your first girlfriend at school when you’re 13, you convince yourself that you love her.

He added: “I think looking in, not everyone can understand it but to that girl or that boy it might be the most important thing in the world. Just because you don’t understand it, doesn’t mean you can say it’s crazy."

Payne revealed that the chart-topping group owe everything to their loyal supporters.

He gushed: “They are so dedicated…our fans put us where we are. I don’t think it’s something that should be taken as a negative, I think passion’s good in any form.”