Who are they? British-Irish boyband who came third in the 2010 X Factor. Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson all applied as solo artists, but failed to qualify. They formed a band on the suggestion of guest judge Nicole Scherzinger.

What are they famous for? Cheeky grins, floppy hair and sending teenager girls into a hormonal frenzy.

Distinguishing features? Naughty boys next door.

Career high? Failing to win X Factor has done nothing to hamper One Direction’s career. Their first single, What Makes You Beautiful, went to number one in the summer, breaking pre-order records for Sony Music. Their debut tour was sold out within minutes of being announced in September.

Career low? Nothing so far, although they may not be too keen on the attention they attract from paparazzi.

Significant others? Harry has been linked by tabloids with Xtra Factor presenter Caroline Flack, while Zayn dated Liverpool X Factor runner-up Rebecca Ferguson and, reportedly, Little Mix‘s Perrie Edwards.

Not to be confused with? The Wanted, who are positively ancient by comparison.

They say? Louis: “If we fancied the same girl, we’d do rock paper scissors to see who gets her. No, really, being the lovely group we are, we’d toss a coin for it.”

Interesting fact? Liam Payne auditioned in 2008 for X Factor when he was 14 and reached judges' houses, but Simon Cowell thought he wasn’t ready and asked him to come back in two years.

ONE Direction play the Echo Arena on January 15.