With the news that Zayn Malik has quit One Direction – teenage girls and middle-aged mothers across the world dropped to their knees and wept.
The heartthrob left the biggest boyband in the world so he could be a “normal 22-year-old” and spend more time with fiance Perrie Edwards.
While it may not not please the directioners out there – we at Goss HQ couldn’t be more thrilled a vacancy has opened in 1D.
When it comes to music, Ireland has an endless supply of talented lads who would be worthy of taking Zayn’s place.
1. Brian McFadden
If anyone knows what it’s like to leave a boyband and watch everything around you crash and burn – it’s Brian McFadden.
The ex-Westlife member left the group in 2004 and released his debut solo album Irish Son which stormed up the charts to land at number 24.
His second solo effort, Set In Stone failed to chart in either Ireland or the UK while Westlife’s success continued until their split in 2012.
Given his tumultuous past as a solo star, we’re sure Brian is itching to get back into a boyband who have already amassed legions of fans.
If there’s anyone who can sing Live While We’re Young with passion, it’s Brian.
2. Eoghan McDermott
TV presenter Eoghan McDermott was born to be in a boyband.
The RTE star recently joked he had already replaced Zayn – but now we think it’s actually a really good idea.
The Voice of Ireland host previously worked as a choreographer and even supported stars like Rihanna and the Pussycat Dolls.
With all that experience shaking his hips on stage – we’re sure he could teach the 1D lads a thing or two about busting a move.
Eoghan would fit in perfectly as the group’s fifth member – Niall, Harry, Louis, Liam and yer man with the big hair.
3. Any of the lads from Hometown
When boy bands or girl groups have more than five members, things can get a little confusing.
There’s so many members in Hometown, losing one would just be like a thinning of the herd.
One less person singing Where I Belong isn’t going to make much of a difference when there’s enough of them to form an army.
However, if we had to pick one – Dayl Cronin would probably fit well into 1D.
With a father previously convicted of manslaughter – he would fill the bad boy role easily.
4. Oisin Tymon
If there’s anyone out there who needs to catch a break right now – it’s Oisin Tymon.
The Top Gear producer was thrust into the limelight after being punched in the face by Jeremy Clarkson after the presenter blamed Oisin for not organising food for the crew on set.
While laying out the crackers and cheese might not be where Oisin’s talent lies, we have a feeling he would do well in One Direction.
We’re not sure if he can sing, but with auto-tune these days – any guy in skinny jeans and a leather jacket can be a pop star.
5. Jedward
The dynamic duo already have lots in common with Niall and the lads – having all found fame on The X Factor.
The pair have admitted several times they’ve always dreamed of being pop stars and with two failed attempts at Eurovision glory under their belts – things haven’t been going so well.
However, a place in the biggest boyband in the world is just what John and Edward need to reignite their careers.
They already have the pop star hair, and if they dyed it black it would be like Zayn never left.
With identical looks on their side, Jedward can always fill in for each other and swap in and out – no one will notice the difference anyway.  Â
6. Sinead O’Connor
Just in case they’re really stuck, the 1D boys could always think about bringing Sinead O’Connor into the fold.
While she’s already an international superstar – we think the controversial singer could fit right in.
She’s already wants to join Sinn Fein, so we see no reason why the 48-year-old songstress can’t join a boy band too.
Not to mention what could be more spectacular than watching Sinead and Niall Horan singing a duet of Nothing Compares 2 U while Harry, Liam and Louis sing back-up.
