Look, this is going to come off like a massive boast (because er, it is) but when I first met Niall Horan when One Direction were on The X Factor, I thought: ‘This child is annoying. He’s just saying the first words that come into his head at any time.’

But I’d like to apologise to Niall, and to everyone in the world, because I was wrong. I was so, so wrong. Niall is the best member of One Direction, and you all know it.

On reflection, I realise that while Liam and the rest of One Direction always seemed a bit more serious about the whole massive singing competition than Niall, he was just having fun.

When Simon Cowell told the band to "enjoy it", Niall actually WAS enjoying it.

Every time they were sent free clothes, or went to a Tinie Tempah concert, or even learnt a new dance routine, while other members of the band were dragging their feet and trying to be cool, Niall was shouting about how brilliant it was.

And he’s still enjoying his fame.

Niall has the air of someone who doesn’t take life too seriously – and knows it might all be over soon.

While some of the band (*cough* Liam *cough*) are whining about how tired they are from touring, Niall recently described the fact the band will be touring Australia and Asia as “the sun is always out everywhere we go – we’re having the best time”.

And clearly I’m not the only one who loves Niall – instead of dating a string of hot models and faceless dancers, Niall’s made actual real life mates through being a popstar.

Rochelle and Marvin Humes recently had him round to meet their new baby Alaia-Mai, he plays golf with Aston from JLS and Laura Whitmore and Una Healey say they look at him like a “little brother”. He’s even Simon Cowell’s favourite – and you can’t argue with that, can you?

Niall LOVES the fans – on a precious day off recently, he took the time to TwitCam them.

Ok, so he forgot to turn off the camera but that’s a nice thing to do when you only get one day off work every three months. What a nice man, eh?

Ok, so he might not be as hot as Harry or as funny as Louis, but he’s the nicest member of One Direction. And isn’t that what counts?