One Direction gave one final performance together before taking their long-signposted hiatus, returning to the TV talent show that originally put them together.
Taking to the stage at the X Factor final at Wembley Stadium, the four-piece performed two songs from their most recent album Made in the AM, titled Infinity and History.
As well as singing together, the four-piece were given an emotional tribute from their mentor Simon Cowell, who first had the idea of putting them together as a group.
“Well, this takes me back five years ago when I met five guys singing as solo artists,” he said. “I never could have predicted what happened next.”
Cowell told the boys that they deserve a break, thanked them, and said they were an “absolute pleasure to work with.”
He then introduced a video from several famous faces, as well as Cowell himself, with goodbye messages.
“Enjoy the time off, have a fantastic time,” Cowell said in the video, adding: “The thing I’m pronbably most proud of is who you’ve all become.”
Also in the clip was Robbie Williams, Wayne Rooner, Danny DeVito, and James Corden, who said: “My boys, please don’t go away for too long.”
Fellow artists Little Mix and 5 Seconds of Summer paid tribute, as did Jack Whitehall who jokingly teared up about the band’s hiatus.
Then there was David Beckham, who sang along to Steal My Girl in his car, and said the group have “given so much to so many people.”
“You need to come back soon or you’re going to have more videos like that,” he joked, referring to his car karaoke.
The video ended with Cowell saying: “I’ll always be here.”
Speaking after their performance, Liam Payne said: “We’ve had the most amazing five years.”
He added: “Sadly we’re going away for a little while, but we need it.”
Meanwhile, Directioners on Twitter had the hashtag #ThisIsNotTheEndOfOneDirection trending on the social media site throughout the evening.
ITV, 8pm
