Louis Walsh has openly called Harry Styles the true "global star" of One Direction – and has said that he reckons the curly-haired heart-throb will be the first to launch a solo career away from the boy band, if they split up.
Louis, who has known Harry since his first taste of fame as a contestant on The X Factor, added that the 21-year-old could also be a hit on the silver screen.
"Harry's a star," Louis told The Mirror. "He will be a global star and I think he's going to do movies. He's got the ambition, the talent and the drive. He knows how to work the room and he's nice to everybody."
© Photo: Getty Images"He will be a global star and I think he's going to do movies," said Louis Walsh of Harry Styles
"I've heard nothing but good things about Harry," said the Irishman, while also mentioning fellow bandmate Niall Horan. "Niall will do well, but Harry is the star."
Louis, who has been on the X Factor judging panel since the series started in 2004, added that the rest of One Direction must be able to recognise Harry's overwhelming popularity among fans and other celebrities.
The Kiss You singer is good friends with Nick Grimshaw, Kate Moss and James Corden among other stars, and has counted Taylor Swift, Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne as his past rumoured girlfriends.
"They have to know that, I mean come on," said Louis, 62. "Every night it's all about Harry. If they were the Rolling Stones he is Mick Jagger. He is the star, he is the focal point. They've all got their roles and fan bases."
© Photo: Getty ImagesLouis, who has managed successful bands Boyzone, Westlife and Girls Aloud in his time, went on to say that Simon Cowell has "lost control" of One Direction.
Zayn Malik announced that he was leaving the pop group in March and just last week the 22-year-old got involved in a heated Twitter exchange with his former bandmate Louis Tomlinson, over his friendship and professional relationship with producer Naughty Boy.
"I think [Simon's] lost control of them and that's what happens with bands," said Louis. "They get too big and don't listen to anybody and then it's all over, and then they think 'why didn't we listen?'."
