They announced in August they they are taking an 'extended hiatus'.

But a new report claims One Direction's much talked-about break could be a break up, as the group struggle to reconcile a major rift between two of the members.

Dan Wootton for The Sun writes that the animosity between Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, who have been affectionately dubbed Larry Stylinson by fans, has reached breaking point, after years of rivalry and tension over their careers and talent.

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Splitting for good? Despite insisting they are simply taking a hiatus after the release of their fifth album, a new report claims One Direction won't be back together for a long time

Citing a source close to the band, which also includes Niall Horan and Liam Payne, The Sun claims that Harry and Louis abruptly fell out in 2012, but no ones knows the real reason why the previously best friends went their separate ways.

'Everyone involved in the band is well aware of the animosity between them. It's been central to everything else that came next with the band because there was suddenly a massive divide,' the insider claims.

According to the source, the tension between the two bandmates has even led to the group travelling separately and having individual time in the recording studio.

See more One Direction news on Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson and the boys

Falling out: Dan Wootton for The Sun writes that the animosity between Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson has reached breaking point, and is one of the main reasons behind their forthcoming break

'That's quite an extraordinary situation, but their team knew the less time Harry and Louis had to spend together, the better the chances 1D would stay together,' claims the insider.

The report also alleges that Louis has gone to battle with 1D's management and record company, with a source at Sony reportedly spilling: 'Frankly, Louis is a little s*** who's managed to annoy a lot of people over the last couple of years.He's made some ridiculous decisions, like refusing to let 1D perform at the Brit Awards because they wanted more time off.'

It's been long noted that Harry chooses to distance himself from his bandmates when the group have a rare break in their relentless schedule, choosing to spend his time off with his wide circle of celeb pals.

Back in the day: The Sun claims that Harry and Louis abruptly fell out in 2012, but no ones knows the real reason why the previously best friends went their separate ways

Zayn Malik's departure from the band this year has also, unsurprisingly, put a strain on the now fourpiece.

Back in August following reports of a split, Niall took to his Twitter account to confirm fan's fear's and explain the hiatus: 'We are not splitting up, but we will be taking a well earned break at some point next year.'

Louis added: 'Your support is truly indescribable! It's just a break :) we're not going anywhere !! Promise Don't worry.'

Striking out on his own: It's been long noted that Harry chooses to distance himself from his bandmates when the group have a rare break in their relentless schedule

While the band have been quick to reassure their loyal army of Directioners that they will be back, the insider claims that 'they reality is they are splitting for a long time' in order to pursue individual projects.

A representative for the band told MailOnline in a statement: 'It's a shame that some sections of the media love to build people up and then they love to knock them down.

One Direction have sold 8.2 million tour tickets and over 65 million records worldwide. Their new single 'Perfect' has already hit No.1 on iTunes in over 60 countries and is set to be one their biggest hits ever.

We should be celebrating their amazing worldwide success as a band that has developed out of the UK, and the phenomenal things they have achieved, and will continue to achieve in the future.'

Niall meanwhile seemed to respond to the latest rumours, telling his 23million Twitter fans on Friday:

'don't believe anything you are reading. We stand strong as a band and we're brothers ,can't wait for you to hear what we've been working on. Thank you for all the continuous love and support.'

Tension: According to the source, the tension between the two bandmates has even led to the group travelling separately and having individual time in the recording studio

Louis and Harry's alleged rivalry may be the latest rumours circling the band, but just a couple of weeks ago fans were worried for Tomlinson's friendship with Liam after a video surfaced of Liam shoving his bandmate while on stage.

However, Liam soon took to Twitter to express his shock that anyone would think the exchange was anything more than friendly banter.

He wrote: 'OH MY GOD THATS SO OUTRAGEOUS HOW DARE I HAVE A JOKE WITH A FRIEND ON STAGE.'

King pin: The report also alleges that Louis has gone to battle with 1D's management and record company

One Direction's final show will be at Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on October 31, while work commitments in February, including industry award shows, will mean they take their break in March, according to reports.

Just weeks ahead of their hiatus announcement, Liam insisted the group were desperately in need of some time out.

He hinted that the hard-working band were planning to take some time off following the release of their fifth studio album later this year.

Speaking during an interview with Free radio , Liam explained: 'You know, I think everyone needs a little bit of a break now, and a sit down and a stop, to kind of take in all the great things that've happened.'