Simon Cowell says One Direction shouldn’t break up – but the boys could do their own thing on the side.

The music and TV mogul was all smiles last night to see the band get the best video gong at the Brits.

Simon Cowell at the Brits
Simon Cowell at the Brits (PA)

Asked about rumours that they could call it a day, Simon told the Daily Mirror that it would be a bad move.

“I hear speculation all the time that they’re going solo. My advice is they should stay together but still do things they want as a little bit on the side,” he said.

One Direction
One Direction (DyD Fotografos/Geisler-Fotopress/DPA)

He added: “You can’t knock what One Direction are doing. They’re making great records and I think that’s why they’re still so popular.”

His comments came as a beer festival at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium had to be cancelled, to make way for the boys.

According to the newspaper, the band were originally playing at the city’s Millennium Stadium the day before the festival, but decided to add an extra date.