One Direction - One Direction: Behind the Scenes

The band opens their photo albums and shares their childhood stories.

Liam

Name: Liam James Payne

Born: August 29, 1993

Star sign: Virgo

Hometown: Wolverhampton, England

Eye color: Brown

Fave aftershave: Paco Rabannes 1 million

Fave grooming product: Hair wax

Best thing about being in One Direction: Theres never a dull moment

Finding his voice

I first started singing when I was about six. We used to go to my grandads in Cornwall or to holiday camps and I used to sing on the karaoke all the time. My favorite track to perform was Robbie Williamss Angels.

Childhood dreams

At one stage I wanted to become a boxer. I used to box three times a week, but I had to give that up for The X Factor , as you cant turn up on stage with bruises.

Never giving up

I was 14 when I first auditioned for The X Factor back in 2008, but Simon didnt take me through because he didnt think I was ready for it. It was a terrible disappointment, but I was up against a lot of stiff competition. And looking back, Im thankful that I didnt get through, otherwise I wouldnt be in One Direction now.

The boys on Liam

Louis: I think Liams the sensible one.

Zayn: Hes not just the dad of the group, hes the grandad of the group! Being in the groups been good for him because hes become more immature. Before, he thought he was about 30!

Liam: Grandad? I suppose Im the sensible one. We all love to have a laugh and its great fun to be in One Direction but sometimes you gotta have your Mr. Serious head on!

Louis

Name: Louis William Tomlinson

Born: December 24, 1991

Star sign: Capricorn

Home town: Doncaster, England

Eye color: Blue

Fave aftershave: Hollister

Fave grooming product: Dry shampoo when I cant be bothered to wash my hair

Best thing about being in One Direction: Just the laugh we have.

And also, Ive made four new friends.

Mr. Tomlinson, sir

Since the age of 13, Ive wanted to be an actor or a singer. I always had a backup plan though - because I love kids, I decided it would be great to be a teacher. It would have been funny if Zayn and I had somehow ended up on the same course.

Taste of fame

I posted some clips on YouTube of me singing songs like The Frays Look After You when I was about 15 or 16, to try and get some kind of feedback. Theres also a video on there of me performing as Danny in my schools production of Grease . I loved being in that show, it was such a laugh, and I was really pleased to land the role of Danny as it was the first show Id auditioned for.

Fortune-teller

A lot of kids complain about school, but I actually enjoyed it and I really miss it now. I remember one of my teachers saying to me when I was about 15, I can tell by your personality that youre going to go on to do big things.

The boys on Louis

Zayn: Hes the joker! People always say Harry or Niall are the Robbie of the group but behind the scenes, its always Louis. Hes very much a rule breaker, doesnt like to stick to the rules.

Louis: When we have to be professional I can be serious but I LOVE to have a laugh.

Harry

Name: Harry Edward Styles

Born: February 1, 1994

Star sign: Aquarius

Hometown: Cheshire, England

Eye color: Green

Fave aftershave: Bleu de Chanel

Fave grooming product: Shampoo I use LOral Elvive

Best thing about being in One Direction: The four guys that Im with

Born performer

I started singing in primary school and was always in plays and shows, so I was performing from a young age. All I ever wanted to do was something that was well paid. I really liked the idea of being a singer, but I had no idea how to go about it.

Early fame

I formed a band called White Eskimo with some school friends. We performed locally and also won a battle of the bands competition. Winning that and playing to a lot of people really showed me that singing was what I wanted to do. I got such a thrill when I was in front of people that it made me want to do it more and more.

Thanks, Mom!

My mom is always telling me that Im a good singer and it was her who put the X Factor application in for me. Obviously, I was hopeful that the judges would like me as well. It would have been a major setback in my plans for world domination if they hadnt.

The boys on Harry

Niall: Curly!

Louis: Hes the cheeky one, definitely.

Niall: And hes also curly.

Louis: Hes a massive flirt but also a great friend to all of us, very easy to talk to.

Zayn

Name: Zayn Jawaad Malik

Born: January 12, 1993

Star sign: Capricorn

Hometown: Bradford, England

Eye color: Hazel

Fave aftershave: Unforgivable by Sean John

Fave grooming product: Hair wax

Best thing about being in One Direction: All the free clothes and I get to do what I love every day