One Direction "The New Take That" Says Simon Cowell

After 'What Makes You Beautiful' bagged the No. 1 spot this weekend, Simon Cowell claims One Direction are the next Take That.

One Direction's debut single topped the chart this weekend, despite stiff competition from Pixie Lott and The Saturdays.

And their X Factor boss Simon Cowell says the band will be the best thing since Take That.

"There's going to be an explosion happening here, the likes of which we haven't seen since Take That," Simon said.

"Think popularity record sales, it's an exciting time."

Simon, who is currently in America preparing for the launch of the US X Factor, manages the band and is really proud of the lads' hard work.

"They have really got themselves together, they've worked hard," Simon told the Daily Star.

"The album is great, the single is great. In fact it's the biggest pre-order single we've ever had...

"This band are going to ignite big time. I think they are the new Take That."

The single was available to download yesterday and the CD copy is out today.