Shortly after One Direction celebrated their sixth anniversary, Liam Payne appears to have found himself at loggerheads with Simon Cowell.
Liam Payne
The music mogul signed the chart-topping boyband in 2011 and guided them through the early years of their career - but has hinted he is unhappy with Liam after he signed a solo deal with a rival record label.
Simon, 56, recently praised Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson for their loyalty since the band were formed, yet failed to mention Liam, 22.
Simon said: "You know what the great thing about these boys are, well not all of them, just most of them, they're incredibly loyal.
"And you don't always expect that. Niall, Harry, Louis are amazing."
Simon's pointed remarks came shortly after Liam revealed he has signed a record contract with Capitol Records UK.
The singer said in a statement: "I'm really happy to have signed to such a prestigious label as Capitol Records UK. Capitol Records has an amazing history stretching right back before even Frank Sinatra and I'm really looking forward to becoming part of their story.
"One Direction will always be my family; I'm now excited to show what I can do as a solo artist."
Capitol, for their part, are delighted to have Liam on board.
Nick Raphael, president of Capitol Records UK, said: "Capitol Records UK are incredibly excited to be working with Liam.
"It's not often you get the chance to sign such a talented and ambitious 22 year old who has already conquered the world."
Allied to this, Liam - who is currently dating Cheryl Fernandez-Versini - has signed up with David Beckham's management company.
He will now be looked after by Doyen Global as he bids to take the music world by storm as a solo artist.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Liam has made a bold move going solo so why not go for management of the highest calibre.
"He also already has a huge profile so the scope to increase his brand further is obvious. Being one half of one of the most recognisable couples in Britain obvious helps."
It has been claimed that Cheryl, who enjoys a good relationship with Simon, was a key figure in convincing Liam to pursue a solo career.
The source continued: "Liam probably enjoyed the limelight the least after Zayn Malik in One Direction. He enjoyed the recording and creative process, so that was the way he was heading.
"But being with Cheryl has given him the drive to break through himself. He knows she will be his unofficial mentor too."
Meanwhile, Liam is reported to be helping Cheryl with her new album, too.
A source previously said: "She's thinking with Liam behind her, she can make a more grown-up album, work on a few collaborations - maybe with Liam's very high-profile mates - and spend time in Los Angeles too."
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