For weeks now, the gossip columns have been linking Niall Horan with former Disney star, Selena Gomez. Horan and Gomez were spotted hanging out on a number of occasions and the tabloids have been assuring us that Niall and Selena are the hottest celebrity romance in town. Back in early December, Hello! magazine dished the dirt on a possible romance between Horan and Gomez, and claimed that the pair had been spotted kissing at Jenna Dewan Tatum’s birthday party.
@NiallOfficial @selenagomez Are together PERFECT !! I love them!! Niall Horan and Sel Gómez pic.twitter.com/jBKr2Jg9ZR
— Cammmmmm (@caaammzzz) December 29, 2015
On December 12, the Mirror poured cold water on any possible romance when they reported that Selena emphatically denied that she and Horan were in a relationship. As was reported in the Inquisitor, Selena said that she “loved” Niall and always had, but when asked directly if she and Horan were dating Gomez said “Oh my god no!”
Of course when it comes to celebrity dating, denials don’t hold much water and rumors that Niall and Selena were dating continued. The Irish Examiner even claimed that Horan gave Selena a rather unusual Christmas gift. Apparently Niall presented Selena with one of his old T-shirts to sleep in. No doubt millions of Niall’s fans would have loved a gift of one of his old shirts, but Selena is probably used to rather more lavish gifts from her suitors. If the claim is true, it is pretty cute though, you can almost hear millions of hearts breaking at the very thought of Niall’s actions.
Over the New Year holiday, the tabloids have been reporting that Gomez had popped off for a vacation in Bali and there has been a ton of speculation as to whether or not Horan had showed up for a romantic break with Gomez. That seems not to be the case because, whilst Gomez is relaxing on the Indonesian holiday island, Niall is most definitely in London.
Is Selena Gomez in Costa Rica with Niall Horan? https://t.co/VvjhOYL8la pic.twitter.com/5QIUQC7Njh
— HollywoodLife (@HollywoodLife) January 1, 2016
It seems that Niall has chosen to spend the early part of 2016 pursuing more laddish activities. Earlier today, Horan was reportedly spotted at a soccer match in London. Niall, who is a huge soccer fan, took in Arsenal’s game against Newcastle and had the opportunity to watch Mesut Özil perform, as Arsenal won the game by one goal to nil.
Niall wore me out to the William Hill Darts Championship in London!! Great fun! Thanks buddy @NiallOfficial ?? pic.twitter.com/h9W1fzNRsu
— Niall’s Hat (@nialls_hat) January 2, 2016
This evening, it appears that Niall has switched sports and made his way to Alexandra Palace, just a few miles across north London to watch the PDC World Darts Championship. According to the BBC, after tonight’s darts match, the championship has now reached the semi-final stage. You would not bet against Niall turning up to watch tomorrow’s matches. Niall looked relaxed and happy as he posed for photographs and laughed with friends whilst watching the dart matches.
Niall Horan kicks off new year with trip to the Darts https://t.co/0qzsL2yVfQ pic.twitter.com/fSDUHXcwo2
— Goss.ie (@goss_ie) January 2, 2016
Niall spent Christmas back home in Ireland, and according to the Mirror, he made the most of being back in Mullingar by popping in to his favorite pub to watch a live gig on Christmas eve.
As One Direction head into their extended break, Horan has, in some ways, been the most open about his plans. Niall says he wants to relax, have fun, and see some of the world.
“I’ve spent the past few years of my life in planes and on tour buses, and I’ve been through countries I’ve really loved but haven’t had a chance to really see.
“I want to go back to Australia and definitely Thailand. With the band, we stayed in luxury hotels, but I want to see these countries like any lad at my age, just staying in hostels and that sort of thing.”
No one would bet against sports fanatic Niall turning up at numerous sporting events during his travels. It seems that, for now at least, Niall is happiest when chilling with friends watching sporting fixtures. Sorry Selena, but it seems that Niall has his eyes on a different game. Avid Horan fans will note that he seems to have dropped the specs that have been a key part of his look in recent weeks.
[Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP]