MUMBAI: Liam Payne's sister Ruth has insisted the singer will return to One Direction after the popular English-Irish pop boy band's hiatus is over, despite him signing a new record contract.

The 22-year-old singer announced on Thursday that he had signed a solo record deal, leading fans to fear the band is over for good.

However, Ruth said that the group -- which also features Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson -- will get back together, reports mirror.co.uk.

"So happy for Liam. I am biased but he is so talented it would have been a shame for him not to release music for two years!" Ruth wrote on Twitter.

Oe fan asked: "He's still staying in One Direction though, right?"

She responded: "Yeah, I'm not sure how a solo career in the band 'hiatus' would affect membership".

After signing his deal with Capitol Records, Liam insisted One Direction will always be his family.

(Source: IANS)