Music mogul Simon Cowell says he feels like a "proud dad" towards the One Direction stars - Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and former member Zayn Malik.

Cowell, 57, signed the boyband to his label in 2011 and still feels an incredibly strong bond with the group.

Speaking about Tomlinson' debut solo single 'Back to you', Cowell told billboard.com, "Louis and I, you know, we've got this very close bond. When we heard about this current record, I remember calling him and going, 'Louis, this record is special' - and I could not be happier.”

"Actually, with all the boys, if I'm being honest with you. They've worked for this. But yeah, you do feel a little bit like a proud dad when you see all five of them doing well now." 

 
• simon cowell
 
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