Simon Cowell says One Direction will return because their legacy is ‘too big’ days after Nick Grimshaw shut down reunion hopes

Simon Cowell has weighed in on a potential One Direction reunion, claiming that he's confident that the group will make a comeback because their legacy is “too big not to.”

The 58-year-old music mogul told how the group’s global success made them likely to reform following their 2016 hiatus.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Cowell said: “I just think the legacy is too big not to go back to at one point. Plus they have enough songs.

“I didn't realise how many hits they've had, when they do get back together it will be a huge event.

“But look, they're all doing their own thing and they're all being successful. But I have a feeling it will happen. I really do. I'd love it to happen."

Opening up on the solo success of each of the members, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik, who, Cowell said: “Individually they were all great.

"The group was the launchpad, but, of course, everyone would love to see them back together -- even if it was just a series of concerts."

Cowell’s comments come just days after BBC Radio 1 host Nick Grimshaw told how he didn’t think One Direction would ever reunite.

Speaking on his final show, Grimshaw said: “When we started this show [One Direction] were all together as a five piece.

“Do you think they'll ever get back together?

Answering his own question he added: “No, not a chance. It's not happening is it?"

Fans were left outraged at Grimshaw for acting like “1D’s PR chief.”

One wrote: "So @grimmers just said on his last breakfast show that one direction getting back together was 'never going to happen'. Thank you for literally ruining my life."

A second added: "What the hell is wrong with him? Why suddenly is he speaking like he is the 1D's pr chief?"