ONE Direction's debut single What Makes You Beautiful is their most played track in the UK, according to music licensing company PPL, to mark the band’s 10th anniversary today.

The song, released in 2011, came out on top ahead hits including Story Of My Life and History.

Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and East Bowling-born Zayn Malik were put together on the X Factor by Simon Cowell and went on to be one of the biggest bands in the world.

Their time together brought five albums and four world tours. They went on indefinite hiatus in 2016.

 

The band have marked the occasion by releasing a trove of archival content, including music videos and behind-the-scenes footage.

Fans hoping for a reunion tour will have to wait for now.

Malik departed the group in 2015 and the other members went on hiatus in 2016. Their last televised performance together was in December 2015.

Malik’s solo career got off to a strong start and his 2016 single Pillowtalk, from the album Mind Of Mine, was a worldwide smash. It led to Malik becoming the first British male artist to debut at number one in both the UK and US.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Zayn Malik has enjoyed a successful career since leaving One Direction in 2015Zayn Malik has enjoyed a successful career since leaving One Direction in 2015

He also found success with subsequent singles I Don't Wanna Live Forever with Taylor Swift and Dusk Till Dawn, which featured Sia.

However, Malik's second studio album, 2018's Icarus Falls, failed to reach the highs of Mind Of Mine. It peaked at 77 in the UK album charts and 61 in the US.

Malik is expecting his first child with his partner, the model Gigi Hadid.

What Makes You Beautiful was a worldwide smash upon release and won the Brit Award for best British single.

Also making the top 10 of One Direction's most played songs in the UK are Kiss You, Perfect and Drag Me Down.

PPL's most played One Direction tracks 1. What Makes You Beautiful 2. Story Of My Life 3. History 4. Steal My Girl 5. Live While We're Young 6. Kiss You 7. Best Song Ever 8. Perfect 9. Drag Me Down 10. Little Things