1D superfan Natasha gets braces to look like idol Niall Horan

A teenage superfan of One Direction has confessed she got braces on her teeth to look like her idol Niall Horan in a new documentary on the extreme adoration of the band’s fans.

In just three years, One Direction has become the biggest pop explosion since the Beatles and has become the only British band ever to enter the US Billboard charts at No 1 with their debut album.

The band’s 61 million twitter following is well documented and has given their fans more access to their idols than ever before but the fanaticism this has bred has now been fully catalogued in a Channel 4 documentary.

Tayte Simpson, executive producer at Mentorn Media, which made the documentary, said it showed a fascinating insight into the new breed of idol worship: “Social media has created huge communities which connect millions of fans in a way that was never possible before.

“One Direction’s use of social media to diarise their inner thoughts gives fans a sense of intimacy and ownership, fuelling strong emotions.”

Fans in the documentary which aired last night spoke of their belief that Twitter is like a form of prayer and tell how they have resorted to getting braces and tattoos just to have something in common with their heart-throbs.

A 17-year-old English girl, Natasha told the film-makers she had her braces fitted to look more like Niall, who had his removed earlier in the year.

“The whole reason I actually got braces was because Niall got braces. I didn’t even need braces. I just wanted them for a fashion item and especially because Niall had them.... It’s like being part of a cult or a sect. It’s just cool.

“Twitter is like a prayer place. When you pray you’re connected to God when you go on twitter you’re connected to 1D. You just have hope.”