Although One Direction’s fans can sometimes be a tad overbearing – such as chasing Harry Styles outside his home recently and prompting Niall Horan to say something rather unpleasant at an airport to fans – according to Liam Payne, 1D owe everything to their devoted followers.

Heat World report that during an interview at Radio City recently, Liam remarked that he and his band mates had no idea that One Direction would be the global mega-success that they have become.

He said, “We never expected any of this at all.

“We thought that we would do a little bit in the UK after the end of [The X Factor].”

He added, “We owe it all to our fans…they are incredible and they have got us this far…”

On a side note, Heat World also report that Example has written a selection of songs that he thinks would be perfect for the 1D boys.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Example said, “I’ve written three songs I think would be perfect for The Wanted or One Direction – or even Enrique Iglesias for that matter.

“I don’t care who sings them as long as they are big hits and make me money.”

Well, at least he’s honest eh?!