Niall Horan is going to do a "disappearing act".

Niall Horan

Niall Horan

The former One Direction star has revealed his plans to take a few months out of the spotlight over the Christmas period to be with his family and friends.

He shared: "I'm gonna head home and chill out as it has been hectic the last few months. Looking forward to getting home home at Christmas. I haven't been home since last Christmas so I miss everyone and hopefully this year I'll get to spend some quality time with family and friends.

"I really do wish I could spend more time at home but with Ireland as small as it is, I sometimes struggle to relax so fingers crossed because I miss that place a lot. After Christmas, I'm gonna fall off the face of the earth and do one of my disappearing acts. I want to come up with more song ideas and get back in the writing zone. So have a lovely Christmas and happy New Year and I'll see ya in Feb. (sic)"

And the 23-year-old singer also teased he already has eight songs prepared for his new album.

In a handwritten note sent to his fans, he explained: "Since I last wrote one of these things, I think it's safe to say that it's been crazy. I've been really busy doing both promo and studio time. The ongoing reaction to 'This Town' is pretty amazing so thank you so much ...

"So when I haven't been doing promo, I've been in the studio recording my album ... I'm currently 8 songs deep and ready for more. I want to take my time with no pressure and make sure I get it right. I'm quite the self critic, which I like about myself. So I'll let you know when I'm done."