ONE Direction star Louis Tomlinson admits he was so nervous to release solo single and thanks fans for their support.

ONE Direction star Louis Tomlinson debuted his solo single during an emotional performance on The X Factor.

The singer took to the stage just days after his mum, Johannah Deakin, sadly passed away.

Louis performed with DJ Steve Aoki, who he collaborated with on his debut solo single Just Hold On.

And now Louis has taken to Twitter to thank fans for their support during his first foray as a solo artist.

Admitting to his followers that he had reservations about releasing material by himself after five years as part of a band, he said: "The support for Just Hold On has been unbelievable.

I was nervous about doing something on my own but you lot have given me so much confidence."

He added to his 23.6 million followers: "So again thanks ! 

Fans rushed to congratulate Louis on his solo success and offer their unwavering support.

One wrote: Never be nervous, Louis. You are so talented. The support you have received is purely because of your own hard work and talent

Louis Tomlinson sadly lost his mother Johannah Deakin earlier this month

 Louis' mother tragically passed away aged 43 after losing her battle with leukaemia.

The 24 year old was visibly choked up as he performed on The X Factor stage during the show's finale, but was cheered on by Wembley Stadium as he ended his performance with an emotional kiss to the sky, in a tribute to his mum.

After the emotional performance Louis wrote on Twitter: “That was harder than I ever imagined.

I want to thank everyone around me and all of the amazing fans out there that made that so special!

Feeling so much love around me and my family. Mum would have been so f***ing proud (sorry for swearing mum) love you!

“Also @Steveaoki, you have been such a rock and inspiration throughout this! Pure talent and a real gent.”

Despite their various solo successes, Louis' One Direction band mate Liam Payne recently assured fans the band will "one hundred percent" be reuniting.

Cheryl's boyfriend took part in a Twitter Q&A, and was bombarded with questions about his former band mates.

When asked if the group would reunite, the singer said: "I'm [100 percent] certain we will."