Louis Walsh believes One Direction's forthcoming break could last up to six years.

The boyband this week confirmed that they plant to take time off in 2016.

The Sun - who broke the news - report that the hiatus will begin in March, adding that it could last at least a year.

However, former X Factor judge Louis Walsh told the Irish Mirror that he believes the break could go on for a long time.

He said: "All the greats did it, like Westlife and Take That.

"It’s the best way to go out when you go out on a high and they have been phenomenal.

“They are global stars and their success has been amazing.

“It’s not the end, they will give it five or six years I’d imagine and then they will get back together."

In March One Direction were reduced to a quartet after Zayn Malik quit.

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