It has been quite a year for One Direction. With their nonstop touring schedule and with Zayn Malik leaving the band and Louis Tomlinson about to become a father, it looks like the band is due for some time off. Simon Cowell told The Sun that Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, and Niall Horan might be ready to spend some time apart. 

"In terms of a band, they've got enough hits now they can take some time off and do some other stuff they want to do," he said. "Then I hope they'll have a little bit of time apart and want to get back together again."

Cowell said that singing in the band has been fun for all of them, but ultimately, it will be their decision if they want to get together again. 

The boys have been hounded by rumors that they will be splitting up ever since Malik left the band back in March. However, a source told People magazine back in June that the group would likely not officially break up but would take some time to pursue solo careers "just like the [Rolling] Stones." The source added that each of them knows that by sticking together, they can still pursue everything they want to do "as a foursome, as well as individually." 

Cowell also revealed how he reacted to Tomlinson's baby news. Last week, it was reported that Tomlinson is expecting his first child with his good friend Briana Jungwirth. 

"I said to him, 'You man up. You're fortunate because you're in a position to be able to look after the baby and not worry too much about that'," the 53-year old said.

Cowell added that he also told Tomlinson that he received "a lot of bad calls" in his life, but the baby news wasn't one of them, and that he'll be there to support him. Cowell said that the news should not be taken as something unfortunate or negative. 

"He didn't kill anyone," said Cowell about the 23-year-old member, adding that it happens every day all over the world. "It's a plus, not a negative."