One Direction announce two dates at The O2 as part of 2013 UK and Ireland tour.

The O2, the world's most popular music and entertainment venue, announced today that One Direction will play two nights in the arena on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 February as part of their 2013 UK and Ireland tour.

They've sold over 1.6 million records in just four months; had 100 million views on YouTube; have two No.1 selling books; scored two major hit singles and a platinum selling debut album in the UK; and have been nominated for Best Single for 'What Makes You Beautiful' at this year's BRIT Awards. Now Zayn, Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis announce an arena tour of the UK and Ireland in February and March 2013.

The 11 date tour will see the boys perform at key venues across England, Scotland and Wales, including The O2 arena as the only London venue. Tickets for The O2 dates are on sale from Saturday 25 February at 9am via www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202.

Currently making waves in the USA by entering the US iTunes Top 10, the band are about to embark on a tour of America with boy band Big Time Rush. They recently filmed a cameo appearance for the immensely popular Nickelodeon show iCarly, as well as appearing on the cover of the likes of M Magazine. Over 100,000 fans in America also signed up to the band's US Facebook page in a bid to bring 1D to their home state - Dallas showed the most love for the band to emerge triumphant.