Major gamble? Bets on a One Direction split soar

A bookmaker has suspended betting on One Direction splitting up amid speculation that Harry Styles is preparing to embark on a solo career. Coral was forced to close the market after punters took a “major gamble” late last night on the world’s biggest boy band breaking up. Before betting was suspended, the firm offered odds of even money on the five-piece calling it quits, while Styles was the 2/1 favourite to be the first member to leave. The odds on any band member releasing solo material this year were 5/1.

A rush of shrewd bets on One Direction splitting up raised the alarm and forced us to close betting until further notice.

A Coral spokesman

The news follows rumours that Styles, 20, has taken to travelling separately from his 1D bandmates when on tour, and sightings of him apparently visiting a London recording studio have circulated in recent weeks.

Entertainment One Direction split