Simon Cowell has predicted that One Direction will break up - but not until they have made a couple more albums.

The X Factor mogul said the hugely successful boy band - who he put together on the ITV show in 2010 - would eventually go their separate ways.

He has been quoted as telling the Daily Star Sunday: "Bands don't stay together forever.

"I think they will make at least two more albums together and they are in the middle of one right now."

There has already been speculation that Harry Styles is gearing up to go it alone, but Simon suggested the singer won't be saying goodbye to One Direction any time soon.

He also hinted that all of the boys would one day launch solo careers.

"No, I don't think that is going to happen for a while," he said of Harry.

"Eventually I am sure they all will."