One Direction took their final bow on the U.K. TV talent show where they started out before their planned 2016 hiatus on Sunday night (13Dec15).

The boy bandmates came together on The X Factor in 2010 and signed off almost exactly five years later by performing new songs History and Infinity.

The quartet's mentor Simon Cowell, who is a judge on the show, was all smiles as he watched the group he helped create perform, stating, "This takes me back five years ago when I met five guys, singing as solo artists. I never could have predicted what happened next. I know you're gonna take a break, you deserve it.

"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."

Zayn Malik quit the band earlier this year (15), several months before Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Liam Payne announced plans to take a lengthy break from each other in 2016.

The bandmates were also treated to a series of videotaped messages from the likes of Robbie Williams, Danny DeVito, 5 Seconds Of Summer and David Beckham, who all wished the four pop stars well as they embark on a hiatus.

Payne then told fans, "We've had the most amazing five years. We're sad we're going away for a little while but we need it. You can see how happy we are, it's genuine happiness."

The X Factor finale also featured a performance from Adele, who sported a new short-bob hairstyle, which became a huge trending topic online.

Louise Johnson was crowned the winner of this year's talent show.