An Australian interview with Louis Tomlinson took a “dark turn” this week when a grilling by The Project’s hosts caused the former One Direction star to become “visibly uncomfortable,” Sky News Digital Editor Jack Houghton says.

Host Peter Helliar asked Mr Tomlinson about “beef” between the five former band members in the wake of a podcast interview where Liam Payne spoke about tensions.

His positive response didn’t satisfy the hosts with Carrie Bickmore following up by asking a similar question.

Mr Tomlinson responded by telling the hosts they were gearing up to “stir some s**t”.

“Let this serve as a lesson for wannabe famous journalists in this situation,” Mr Houghton said.

“Just have a conversation with the bloke.

“Not everything needs to trigger a headline.”