Liam Payne has opened up about how his time in One Direction wasn't as dreamyas everyone might've guessed it to be after revealing he battled excess drinking and mental health issues during his period in the band.

'Let's all get checking out an update from MTV News...'

Explaining that he would often use alcohol to deal with the emotional stress of being in the world's biggest boyband, he told The Telegraph:"I went through a real drinking stage, and sometimes you take things too far,"

Liam added that he was the kind of guy who never knew when to stop the party, admitting: "Everyone’s been that guy at the party where you’re the only one having fun, and there were points when that was me."

"It was just gig to hotel, gig to hotel. And you couldn't sleep, because [fans would] still be outside. People were speaking to me about mental health in music the other day, and that's a big issue. Sometimes you just need some sun, or a walk."

It seems like Liam is enjoying a slightly slower pace of life with his shiny new solo-career. But that's not to say he doesn't see himself reuniting with One Direction in the future.

Back in December 2016, he poured cold water on reports that the band had split for good, replying to a concerned fan that he's "100% certain" that the gang will reunite on stage soon. Phew.