One Direction's Liam Payne hints that the band 'need a break' after fifth album

One Direction's Liam Payne has hinted that the band 'need a break' after they finish their next album.

Despite insisting that the boys wouldn't be taking time out 'for a while' when Zayn Malik quit the band back in March, the 21-year-old has now said that he needs some time off.

The British boy band, who are currently on their On The Road Again tour, are also gearing up for the release of their fifth studio album, meaning another few hectic months.

When asked what they'd all be doing next during an interview on Free Radio, Payne said: "You know, I think everyone needs a little bit of a break now, and a sit down and a stop, to kind of take in all the great things that've happened."

Talking about other projects that he'd like to pursue, the singer added: "There's loads of things. I've been writing a lot on the road at the moment, not for me, just for other people.

"I've been doing a lot of things, you know trying to get into the producing side of it which is pretty cool."

Just a few months ago, the pop star had a very different answer when he was asked if the band would be taking a break.

Responding to Bang Showbiz, he said: "We won't be going anywhere for a while, so I don't know where that's brewed from."

The band have just debuted the first single from their new album, Drag Me Down, which they performed live for the first time on Good Morning America on Tuesday.