ROAR-some ink! One Direction's Liam Payne shows off HUGE new lion tattoo on his hand on solo outing in Los Angeles... but is it real?
As is the case with many young, creative men his age, Liam Payne has his share of tattoos.
And, as the One Direction star went along to Craig's restaurant in Los Angeles on Monday night, he revealed another new inky addition to his collection: a large lion's face across the back of his left hand and wrist.
The 22-year-old Brit appeared relaxed as he walked into the popular night spot, showing off the impressive new artwork as he arrived, the animal's face standing out against his simple attire.
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Tatt's a good look! Liam Payne stepped out at Craig's in Los Angeles on Monday night, sporting a large lion tattoo on his left hand
But all was not as it first seemed, as the cheeky star later shared a photo of his lion-covered limb on his Instagram.
Along with the snap, he revealed: 'Fake tattoo day.'
It would be no surprise if Liam had actually had the big cat etched onto his hand: the lion is becoming a popular motif, especially among his famous peers.
Earlier this year, singer Ed Sheeran unveiled a large lion ink emblazoned across his chest, in full colour, and British model Cara Delevingne has long had a small picture of the King of the jungle on her index finger.
See the latest One Direction news on Liam Payne's apparent new tattoo
Is it real? The big cat's face was exquisitely etched across the back of the One Direction star's hand
It's a fake! However, although the 22-year-old is known for his expanding collection of tattoos, Liam later revealed on Instagram that it was a fake
Night away from the lads: The British singer stepped out solo without his One Direction bandmates for the night, looking handsome in a simple grey t-shirt and black jeans
But, for the newly-single star, it wasn't permanent, although it was a believable addition to his collection for a night.
He looked low-key as he made his solo jaunt out into the streets of Los Angeles, wearing a simple grey t-shirt with black jeans and lace-up boots.
His hair was coiffed into a rather sizeable quiff, and he looked ever so handsome with a not-too-heavy smattering of stubble across his face.
The handsome star also proudly showed off his other tattoos, those etched across his right arm like a sleeve, including an eagle 'flying' across the back of his hand, a collection of roses and a skull, and a scroll with the words 'We are the quiet ones'.
Rocking a sleeve: Liam has been adding to the tattoo collection on his right arm - the latest addition was the eagle 'flying' across the back of his hand underneath the skull and rose image
'Fake tattoo day': The cheeky star tricked his fans with the picture, but did reveal it was faux ink
Liam - who recently split from his long-term girlfriend Sophia Smith - appeared to be going alone on Monday night, his fellow One Direction bandmates out of sight.
The previous evening was a big one for the pop group, as they scooped two of the top prizes at the American Music Awards.
The Perfect hitmakers won both the Favourite Group in the pop/rock category prize, as well as the prestigious Artist of the Year gong.
The lads are due to take an extended break in March 2016 after spending the last five years working tirelessly and touring the world and, while accepting the awards, they revealed they are looking forward to spending time with loved ones.
Big night: Sunday saw Liam - without a lion on his hand - join his 1D bandmates as they picked up two of the top prizes at the American Music Awards
Collecting the Artist of the Year trophy, which they have won for two consecutive years, Louis Tomlinson said: 'Wow, this is incredible, to win two years in a row. It's a testament to how incredible our fans are so thank you, thank you, thank you.'
Liam - who looked incredibly dapper in a grey suit on the night - added: 'We can't believe we get to win awards like this and we are obviously going on a little break now to spend a little time with our families and obviously we want to thank our families.'
Meanwhile Liam is currently getting used to the single life after calling time on his two-year romance with old school friend Sophia.
It was revealed they had parted ways in October, with a source close to the star telling MailOnline that he was 'incredibly sad', but that he was making sure to 'keep busy'.
Well done lads: (L-R) Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Liam and Harry Styles were awarded the Artist of the Year gong as well as Favourite Group in the pop/rock category
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