David Beckham leads the star-studded tributes to One Direction as they make emotional performance on The X Factor final ahead of hiatus

Fans were eagerly awaiting One Direction's performance on The X Factor final.

And the boy band had a surprise in store since mentor Simon Cowell had orchestrated a special tribute video to be aired during Sunday night's show, celebrating the four-piece's incredible success ahead of their upcoming hiatus in March 2016.

Football legend David Beckham led the A-list array of stars sharing their messages of congratulations to the to the chart-topping boy band, comprised of Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Niall Horan.

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Emotional: One Direction - (L-R) Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Niall Horan - were flattered when their mentor Simon Cowell put together a tribute video for them ahead of their performance on Sunday night's X Factor 2015 final at London's Wembley Arena 

David, who has been friends with 1D for years, was seen mouthing along to their hit single Steal My Girl in his car, before sharing a heartfelt message for the boys.

'Five years, you’ve given so much to so many people', he said. 'Above all, you're incredible guys. You need to come back soon!'

Also making appearances in the special video send-off were James Corden Robbie Williams, Wayne Rooney, Danny DeVito, Jack Whitehall, Little Mix, and 5 Seconds Of Summer.

See more news on One Direction as David Beckham joins in paying tribute to the boys 

Leading the tributes: Retired sports star David Beckham was among the famous faces congratulating the four-piece for their incredible success ahead of their extended break in March 

He's a fan! Beckham was seen mouthing along to chart-topping tune Steal My Girl from the front seat of his car

Hollywood icon Danny, who appeared in the Steal My Girl video, had a humorous message for the former X Factor stars.

He joked they needed to 'spend some of that money' accumulating in their bank accounts, before declaring, 'While you’re at it take some acting lessons.'

Little Mix showed their loyalty to the boys in the wake of Perrie Edwards' split from former band member Zayn Malik, enthusing: 'You guys have smashed it for many years and we are so proud of you.'

Hollywood legend: Danny DeVito, who appeared in the Steal My Girl video, had a humorous message for 1D 

Show of support: Fellow X Factor veterans Little Mix proved they were firmly behind the band 

Greetings: Robbie Williams, who knows the merits of taking a break from a boy band, hoped they would come back happier and healthier 

'Come back fitter and stronger,' Robbie Williams told the pop heartthrobs.

Comedian Jack Whitehall also put in an appearance in the video, pretending to be overcome with emotion at the thought of the lads taking a break.

Simon - who mentored the group to third place on the show in 2010 - initially introduced the video by saying: '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.

Tearful: The boys' pal Jack Whitehall pretended to be crying at the thought of the band taking a break 

Joker: The comedian drew laughs from the audience as he wiped away his crocodile tears and said to the camera, 'Are we done?'

'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.'

Liam was the first to respond to the touching video, while Harry blew kisses to the crowd.

He said: 'We're visibly touched by the We have had the most amazing five years. We can’t believe what had happened to us. You can see how happy we are, it’s genuine happiness.'

1D sent the crowd wild as they performed new single Infinity and album track History from their fifth album, Made In The A.M. 

Will Ferrell also made a surprise appearance in his own video message, recalling some of the show’s most memorable contestants from years past, including eccentric singer Chico.

Discussing bongo-banging Wagner, the American comedian joked: ‘He’s one of the greats! The way he plays those drums, he could teach Phil Collins a thing or two!’ 

Respect: 5 Seconds Of Summer paid tribute to their boy band rivals in the video message 

Close friend: James Corden sent his well-wishes to the four-piece and thanked them for the dedication they have continuously shown their fans