One Direction have denied reports they are set to take a break after their world tour, as they prepare for their first UK date since Zayn Malik quit the boyband.

The foursome - Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson - play the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff tonight.

Responding to reports the band would be taking a break at the end of the tour, a spokesman said: "The story is all pure speculation and not based on any facts.

"The band are excited about their brand new fifth album and their upcoming tour."

Tonight's gig is the first time UK fans have had the chance to see the band since Zayn, who grew up in East Bowling, walked out in March.

He left during the Asian leg of the On The Road Again Tour telling fans he wanted the chance to be "a normal 22-year-old".

At the time, the band said they would continue as a foursome and said they were "looking forward to recording the new album and seeing all the fans on the next stage of the world tour".