One Direction are reportedly busy working on their fifth studio album.

Back in November, Louis Tomlinson cast doubt on whether 1D would make another LP, telling The Metro: "I think we are planning on having a conversation today about if we are going to do another album.

"And if we are, we might take a little more time over it."

However, a source has now told The Sun the lads were "itching to get back in the studio" and will apparently have a new LP out by Christmas.

An insider added: "There has been a bit of a question about the timing of the fifth album but there was never any doubt it would be released, despite the ridiculous speculation."

[related]Phew! It is thought the X Factor group are working with their usual writing team, Wayne Hector and Julian Bunetta, with the mole adding: "It’s a formula that’s worked before and it’s how the lads like to work."

While another 1D album may be on the way, there have been A LOT of rumours concerning possible solo records, with Liam Payne and Zayn Malik both hitting the studio alone.

Watch this space!