Liam Payne and Sophia Smith split up

One Direction’s Liam Payne has split from his girlfriend Sophia Smith, Us Weekly reported.

Liam Payne and Sophia Smith dated for eight months, and first met while attending St. Peter’s Collegiate School in Wolverhampton, England.

A source told the publication: “They were spending too much time apart and it’s only going to get worse this year – the band going on a super long tour, her getting busier with university.”

“It was draining for the both of them and led to a lot of arguments. Liam was the one who chose to end it,” the source added.

Liam Payne, 20, is currently on tour with his bandmates for their Where We Are tour, which kicked off last month.

However, the singer has been vocal about his heartbreak, posting cryptic messages via Twitter on Friday.

“Can’t be without you,” he wrote.

“Worse thing I ever did was let you go.”

He added: “No all I got left is the thought of you.”

Liam Payne previously dated model and dancer Danielle Peazer on-and-off for three years before their split in May 2013.