A chilly reception for 1D Niall on his return home

Eimear Rabbitte

ONE Direction's new album may be about to hit the top of the charts -- but teen star Niall Horan got a chilly reception when he returned to his London home.

Niall was delighted to get back yesterday -- but had to call out a plumber to fix his heating.

Nothing worse after spending the weekend in balmy Los Angeles.

Niall told his seven million followers on Twitter that he was "sooo cold" and had to call a plumber.

But if the heating still couldn't be fixed, there's no doubt that Niall could rely upon his 1D bandmates Harry, Zayn, Louis and Liam.

The band say they feel protective towards him as he is "so cute".

"There is no doubt Niall is the cute one. In the nicest possible way I would much rather see any of us punched than Niall," Louis said.

Looking

Niall may have his band mates, but he still has no girl to cuddle up to. He recently told US chat show host Ellen DeGeneres that he is still single and looking for someone "cute".

When quizzed on his ideal girl by Ellen, Niall replied: "I like someone that's cute. Someone I can have a laugh with."

In recent months, Niall has been linked to US X Factor judge Demi Lovato and Canadian pop singer Carly Rae -- all denied by Niall.

Meanwhile 1D's global domination has continued unabated.

Their second album, Take Me Home, is expected to top the charts around the world this weekend and a 3D film charting the band's success is in the offing.

hnews@herald.ie