Singer Liam Payne says he would welcome Zayn Malik back to One Direction with open arms.
Malik left fans of the band heartbroken when he announced his exit from the band in March 2015.
While Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan have continued to make music as a four-piece, Payne insists he would always be happy to Zayn to rejoin the group, reported Female First.
He was asked if he would let Malik come back as he spoke to photographers at Los Angeles' LAX Airport, to which he replied, "Of course, I love Zayn - he's great!"
He, however, did add the prospect was unlikely, adding: "Zayn's just doing his own thing."
The idea of replacing Malik to make One Direction a five-piece again is also unlikely, with Payne saying, "There's enough people, we don't need any more."
There were rumours earlier this week that One Direction's 18-month hiatus could actually be a permanent split.
Payne was quick to dismiss the claims. "No, no, no, no, no ... We've just been nominated for two BRITs!" he said.
