One Direction appear on The X Factor for one final performance before extended hiatus... as their fans take to Twitter to share their sadness over impending break

They're one of the world's biggest boybands.

And, as One Direction prepare to take a well-deserved 18-month hiatus in 2016, they made their last appearance on The X Factor, stepping out on stage during the live final on Sunday night.

Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Niall Horan - who rose to fame on the ITV programme back in 2010 - set their fans wild as they performed their new single Infinity. 

Scroll down for video 

Back where it all began: One Direction took to The X Factor stage one last time before taking their extended hiatus next year

As ever, fashionable fellow Harry, 21, was the most snappily dressed of the four-piece, rocking a red floral suit.

Meanwhile, the other singers Niall, 22, Louis, 23 and Liam, 22, complemented each other with their more toned-down outfits of suit jackets and simple shirts.

After their performance, Simon Cowell looked overwhelmed as he told them: 'Well, this takes me back five years ago when I met five guys, singing as solo artists, then I never could have predicted what happened next. I know you're gonna take a break, you deserve it. 

'I want to take a chance now to say, thank you, you've been an absolute pleasure to work with. Five of the nicest guys I ever met. Enjoy the time off, have a fantastic time.'

See more from the One Direction boys as they perform for the last time before their hiatus 

Five years in the making: One Direction were formed on The X Factor in 2010, and have worked relentlessly over the past five years

Double the fun! The boys first performed new single Infinity, followed by their track History from new album Made In The A.M.

Snazzy: As ever, Harry Styles was snappily dressed in a bright floral suit

Make a statement like Harry in Gucci

Gucci AW15 Men's collection

Not available online, shop for Gucci here

Buy now

We knew that Harry was a fan of Gucci, therefore it was no surprise to see him performing in suit from the Italian brand at the XFactor finals. With the signature floral suit in red Harry both rocked it style wise and on the scene, and all we can say is: Bravissimo!

A floral blazer will stand out among dull grey suits, and really make that statement at the Christmas party. Dare to stick out, as this is definitely the right way to draw attention! Say it with a flower sartorially speaking, as floral blazer come in many forms – both more low-key in black or in bright colors for all moods.

Harry’s sassy version is not available online, but head over to Gucci to shop their collection with floral prints. If you’re looking for an instant flower bomb, check out the selection below for all budgets!

* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED

...NOW GET ONE LIKE IT FOR LESS

• $44.98

  

  Floral Knit Jacket Gray at Target

  Buy now

• $1946.25

  

  ALEXANDER MCQUEEN floral jacquard blazer at Farfetch

  Buy now

• $175

  

  Tallia Floral Print Blazer at Macy's

  Buy now

• $175

  

  Tallia Veracita Knit Floral-Print Sport Coat at Macy's

  Buy now

Messages were then shown on a video tape from James Corden, Robbie Williams, Wayne Rooney, Danny DeVito (who told them to 'spend some of that money' they earn'), Jack Whitehall, Little Mix, 5 Seconds Of Summer and David Beckham.

Not bowing out quietly, One Direction then performed for a second time, giving a rather jazzy rendition of another song from their new album Made In The A.M, History.

Liam said: 'We've had the most amazing five years. We're sad we're going away for a little while but we need it. You can see how happy we are, it's genuine happiness.'

Before the programme aired on Sunday night, 1D's devoted fans took to Twitter and got #ThisIsNotTheEndOfOneDirection trending worldwide, as they prepared to mark the boys' last stint on X Factor before their break.

Emotional: Simon Cowell paid tribute to the boys both from the judge's panel, and also in a special VT that was recorded for them

One fan led the charge as they wrote on the social networking site: 'I'm in denial. I'm just going to pretend like this isn't their last performance. Nope nope nope #ThisIsNotTheEndOfOneDirection.'

Another added that they were 'currently swimming on my tears. #ThisIsNotTheEndOfOneDirection'.

'Kind of just wish i could go to sleep for a year/18 months and wake up when one direction come back #ThisIsNotTheEndOfOneDirection,' one Directioner wrote, wishfully.

One fan tried their hardest not to fall down in tears, as they commented: 'Don't cry don't cry don't cry #ThisIsNotTheEndOfOneDirection.'

Earlier this year, One Direction - down to four members after Zayn Malik sensationally quit the band back in March - revealed they would be taking a step back from the limelight after five years of relentless working, putting out albums and touring the world.

Trending: Fans took to Twitter to mourn the impending hiatus of One Direction, getting #ThisIsNotTheEndOfOneDirection trending worldwide

In August, it was first reported in The Sun that the boys, who have just released their fifth album Made In The A.M. - would be going their separate ways for a while, and the following day, it was confirmed by Niall and Louis.

'We are not splitting up, but we will be taking a well earned break at some point next year,' Niall wrote to their fans on Twitter.

Louis added: 'Your support is truly indescribable! It's just a break :) we're not going anywhere !! Promise Don't worry.' 

And this week, during an appearance on Alan Carr's Chatty Man, the 1D lads opened up further about the temporary split, dispelling rumours that Harry is keen to record solo material.

There he is! David Beckham appeared in the wrap of congratulatory messages for One Direction, as he was seen dancing in his car to one of their tracks

He replied with a defiant 'no' when host Alan asked whether speculation that he'd recorded solo material was true, adding: 'We all write kind of separately and for other people and do stuff and bring it back, and that is it really.'

Meanwhile, Louis - who is to become a first-time father in spring next year with former fling Briana Jungwirth - insisted the former X Factor band will be returning to the stage in under two years' time.

'You are not going to be away for too long are you? Not years and years?' the comedian inquired to which he replied: 'No. Let’s give it 18 months.'

Niall went on to disclose that the reason behind the extended break was no more than a need for some downtime after having spent the last four years on the road and making a mammoth five albums.

Homage: James Corden was one of hte famous faces to appear in a pre-recorded clip for 1D, wishing them well on their break

'This time last year I couldn’t have told you what I was doing, and that is what we are looking forward to. Not having to set an alarm every day,' he said.

Louis added that it was a decision they made together and one that their boss and music mogul Simon Cowell backed whole-heartedly.

The four-piece reserved a moment to extend their eternal gratitude to their millions upon millions of fans with Liam saying: 'I mean we say thank you a lot but I don’t think there is any amount of time you can stop saying thank you when something like this has happened to you.

'Yeah it’s changed our lives so much and we are eternally grateful, and we will be back very soon.'

'What’s so great about this time is that we are going to find it nice to have the time to be bale to reflect and think about everything that we have done and I think it is important that the fans do that as well. We have done this together and it’s pretty incredible. So yeah, thank you,' Louis added. 

Emotional: The four-piece had a huge hug after their performance