Take That give One Direction advice

Take That have urged One Direction to ”stay as a unit”.

The band – which features Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald – originally started as a five-piece, although Robbie Williams quit in 1995, with Jason Orange also leaving the band last year.

Offering advice to the band, Gary said: ”I think they should stay as a unit.”

The 44-year-old singer elaborated on his point, saying it is vital the group’s members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson talk about their problems so there are no secret feuds.

He explained: ”When somebody has a problem in the band, it’s always something not to be ignored and to always discuss it by themselves as a five, not even necessarily with management.

”Just be themselves and get to know each other – I’m sure they know each other very well, but we don’t know what happens behind closed doors … we don’t know who gets on and who doesn’t get on.”

However, the ‘These Days’ hitmakers are convinced there is nothing to worry about as the youngsters are strong as a band, despite rumours they are to split.

Gary told MTV News: ”I guess they’re all great friends and it’s about talking to each other

”I’ve spent quite a bit of time with all of them really – they are all great fun.

”The one thing I always think about with them is they are enjoying it and that’s right, enjoy it while it’s here – you don’t know what the future is for any of us.”