WHEN ONE DIRECTION began an extended hiatus at the end of 2015, much was made of the friendships and alliances within the world’s biggest band.

LOUIS TOMLINSON was the natural leader of 1D and keen for the group to continue their chart-conquering progress.

12 Louis Tomlinson spoke exclusively with Bizarre's Dan Wootton about coping with the end of One Direction Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

But his former BFF HARRY STYLES was ready to go on an indefinite break, leading to understandable tensions within the group.

In part two of his revealing world-exclusive interview, Louis is brutally honest about that difficult period, shining a light for the first time on how the decision to split was made.

He says: “It was an uncomfortable time more than anything.

We’ve always had a level of respect for each other in these meetings and we always said that 100 per cent honesty and openness is so important if you’re going to get on as a band.

“It made those situations a little bit difficult because I felt like I really was building up confidence in myself and in my place within the band and as a songwriter in the band.

“I could feel that potentially it was going to be a break. What was difficult was trying to understand how long that might be.

12 Louis wanted One Direction to continue but Harry Styles was keen to pursue solo opportunities Credit: The Sun

“So that process was kind of a little uncomfortable.

“You’re asking guys who have grown up being best friends to make selfish decisions, which they should do, based on themselves.

"But it doesn’t change the fact that it was difficult for me to accept at first.”

However, 18 months on, with the launch of a promising solo career, Louis’ opinion has changed.

12 Louis has begun a solo career and is positive it will be successful Credit: Rex Features

He says: “If you asked me now if I think it’s the wrong decision, I don’t think it was.

“I think the market and the fans and everyone had had so much of One Direction that regardless of any individual ventures, the market could do with a two-, three- or however long break away from us.”

Louis — who yesterday released his new single Back To You with rising star BEBE REXHA,— is honest that he is not as close to Harry as NIALL HORAN or LIAM PAYNE.

12 Louis' single features Albanian singer Bebe Rexha

He says: “There’s no politics or anything. Inevitably in a band, you’re going to get some people who get on really well and some people who get on quite well.

“I have forever had a very, very high level of respect for Harry.

“He’s great in this situation, he’s great on stage, he’s a great musician and artist. It’s just one of those things that happens naturally in a band.”

12 Harry Styles plays a young British soldier in new movie Dunkirk Credit: Rex Features

Louis and Harry’s friendship was also dogged by a ridiculous five-year conspiracy by a group of determined fans known as Larries.

They believe that the pair are in a romantic relationship that was covered up by 1D management, SIMON COWELL and even me (I promise you I’d have been delighted to report that Harry and Louis were an item if that were the case).

Sadly, Louis admits the pressure from Larry conspiracy theorists was a factor in their friendship struggling, especially given the serious relationship he has with girlfriend Eleanor Calder.

He says: “I’ve never actually been asked about it directly. It’s a funny thing.

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12 Louis admits his friendship with Harry Styles was not as close as with Niall or Liam Credit: Simon Jones PR

"It kind of happened naturally for me and Harry because a certain amount of the fans drew up this conspiracy.

"When it first came around I was with Eleanor, and it actually felt a little bit disrespectful to Eleanor, who is my girlfriend now.

“I’m so protective over things like that, about the people I love. So it created this atmosphere between the two of us where everyone was looking into everything we did.

“It took away the vibe you get off anyone. It made everything, I think on both fences, a little bit more unapproachable. I think it shows that it was never anything real, if I can use that word.”

In recent months I’ve asked Liam, Niall and Harry whether 1D could re-form without Harry or with former bandmate ZAYN MALIK.

12 One Direction carried on as a four after Zayn left but Louis admits it never felt right Credit: PA:Press Association

Louis is clearly surprised by the question and takes a long time to think before replying: “When Zayn left, it still felt like One Direction, but we still didn’t feel like the whole.

"So then to even take maybe Harry out as well — it’s something that I can’t ever imagine, really.

“I feel like it’s got to be for the fans, and not for the three that want to get back together.”

Louis is clearly keen for the band to get back together, but he understands that Harry — currently promoting his big-screen debut in the film Dunkirk — has not yet made a decision.

12 Louis has backed Harry Style's acting career to be a success Credit: Rex Features

He says: “Harry is actually an inspiring person to watch as a businessman, as a musician. He doesn’t really lose, Harry.

"He’s a very, very hard worker and his potential is massive in so many different fields.

“So I don’t know the answer, but if I’m Harry . . . I don’t know yet.

“Honestly, I just think it’s too difficult to say, especially with someone like Harry, who’s got so much potential

“It’s just kind of a confusing place for him to be as an individual, to be like, ‘OK, what is next?’ ”

1D fans are asking exactly the same thing . . .

12 One Direction on their farewell tour Credit: PA:Press Association

THE end of 1D was hard on all the boys – and now Louis has revealed how upsetting it was after their final concert in Sheffield.

He said: “I’ve got this video from the last show. There’s a minute of me and Niall hugging, just kind of sobbing like, ‘This is f***ing crazy.’”

Louis was always close to Niall, but being apart hasn’t dampened their friendship.

He added: “Niall’s the best. We just get so excited about each other’s s**t.” Cute.

Holding on to Si

HE was discovered on The X Factor, and it was on that stage that One Direction gave their final performance in December 2015.

But Louis has admitted he felt frustrated last summer when he wasn’t given a judging role following lengthy discussions about replacing NICK GRIMSHAW.

12 Louis says he has a strong relationship with Simon Cowell despite being overlooked for an X Factor judging role Credit: PA:Press Association

He said: “It was something that I would have liked to have done. But it’s business. That’s how it works.

“It was kind of surprising to see me essentially being replaced by LOUIS WALSH.”

But the Just Hold On singer held no grudge against show boss SIMON COWELL.

He is the only 1D member to sign with Cowell’s Syco label after the pop guru masterminded the group’s success.

Louis said: “Simon has always been willing to listen. It was a no-brainer to me.”

It has certainly worked well so far.

FROM London to LA, Louis has lived around the globe since 1D began.

But he still cherishes his home town Doncaster, where he shot the video for his new single.

12 Louis Tomlinson cares passionately for Doncaster Rovers

He said: “I love it. I feel like I owe people from Doncaster. But I just get this feeling . . . I want to push Doncaster on everyone.”

Louis, whose baby son Freddie Reign lives in LA with his ex Briana Jungwirth, added: “LA’s very different to Doncaster. The people are chalk and cheese.

“I obviously cherish my time with my son and it’s fantastic for work and the weather is great, but I do cherish my time back home.”

Louis' album plans FANS won’t have too long to wait for Louis’ album as it is “80 per cent done.” Asked when it will be out, he said: “Hopefully the end of the year, but I think it’s ambitious saying end of the year . . . more like the start of next year.”

LIAM PAYNE and CHERYL are one of the most loved-up ­couples in pop, but even Louis didn’t quite believe they were together at first.

Asked if he thought his bandmate was joking when he confided in him about his relationship, Louis said: “I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t 100 per cent.

12 Louis says he was stunned to learn of Liam Payne and Cheryl's relationship Credit: Rex Features

“I’m not saying I didn’t buy it – of course I did. It was just a little bit surprising for me at first.”

He knew about the couple’s secret romance in February last year at the Brit Awards but kept his lips sealed.

Louis continued: “I remember being outside and sharing a cigarette with them and him being excited and trying to play it cool.

“But I’m really happy for him. I think it’s important that Liam has someone around him who’s going to really look after him.

“I don’t know Cheryl too well.

"I’ve always thought she’s lovely, so hopefully she looks after our Liam.”

Bless.