Harry Hugsalot: One Direction boys besieged by affection fans as their US fan base soars



They've been in the public eye for just over a year, and yet One Direction have already done what some artists spend their whole careers aspiring to.

The boy band are in the US this week, and have managed to win over hoards of American tween girls.

And the boys are happily making time for the girls who have made room on their bedroom walls for 1D among all of the Justin Bieber posters.



Quick hug and a happy snap: Harry Styles rewards a fan with a cuddle as One Direction pose for pictures with fans in Los Angeles

Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson were besieged by some fans yesterday during a pit stop for snacks in LA.

Harry - who was wearing a Ramones T-shirt by Amplified - in particular found himself in the arms of the enthusiastic girls, who managed to pull themselves off the boys long enough to pose for a happy snap.

The others happily dished out cuddles too, but their fifth member Liam Payne was nowhere in sight.

Say cheese: The fan pulled herself away long enough to pose for pictures

The girls were among many wishing Harry a happy birthday yesterday; the singer reached the milestone of 18.

He tweeted: 'I feel like I've woken up with suddenly more facial hair and a deeper voice.. Thank you for all your lovely Birthday messages.'

One Direction are in town to film an episode of popular series iCarly, and have already proved a hit with American youngsters.

Free hugs! Zayn and Niall also dished out cuddles to the girls

And if the overwhelming reaction from fans when the boys landed in the states was impressive, the one leaving was quadrupled.

Such were the crowds that the boys were banned from being seen by the fans as they made their way out of LAX today. Liam tweeted this afternoon: 'Sorry to anyone who was at the airport security wouldn't let us out that way so frustrating!!'



After their US jaunt, the boys are en route back to London today, to prepare to promote their upcoming single One Thing, which is released on February 13.

Snack stop: The boys were stopped by the fans while they were choosing food from a refreshment stand



But while the group are known as an equal five-piece on home soil, it emerged over the week that their US management are keen to put forward cheeky Harry as the 'frontman,' citing that boybands in America that have a recognised frontman tend to make it bigger than those that don't.

Harry led the band when they filmed a guest spot on Nickelodeon show iCarly, with Carly, played by Miranda Cosgrove, 18, developing a crush on him.

A source told The Daily Star: 'Columbia music execs are rubbing their hands with glee. It looks like One Direction are going to be absolutely massive in America.

Boys are back in town: The band have been filming an episode of iCarly as their stateside fan base grows

'They decided long ago that Harry is a natural frontman. He’s funny, confident and has a great voice.'

But the group are keen to stick together. A friend told the newspaper: 'They are determined to carry on the way they have been – without a lead singer. Harry certainly hasn’t asked for all this attention.' Harry has already caught the eye of the offspring of Hollywood royalty, Katherine Schwarzenegger, daughter of action man Arnold.

Working hard: The boys were hard at work during a shoot the day before

Ready for the big push stateside: One Direction with Nickelodeon's iCarly star Miranda Cosgrove After tweeting last week that she thought he was cute after watching one of the band's videos, she managed to blag her way onto the iCarly set. But Harry is wary of her tough-taking, former governor father. According to the Sun, he said: 'Katherine's been in the studio watching us. Imagine having Arnie as your dad-in-law.'



Funny foursome: Some of the boys lark about on set



Touchy feely: Louis strokes Liam's face, while holding a copy of actor Chad Michael Murray's book Everlast, as Niall hugs a staff member after the shoot

Then, doing his best Arnie impression, Harry added: 'Leave my house if you want to live.'



The previous day, Katherine tweeted: 'Just watched my first One Direction video with my cousin and @Harry_Styles is a cutie indeed!'