You have to feel for Harry Styles, really.

Just when it seemed that he might be beginning to move away from the batsh*t-crazy hysteria of the One Direction days and possibly be taken seriously as a credible actor after the likes of 'Dunkirk' (and recently, as a potential candidate for Elvis) something like this happens.

Yesterday, Styles was heavily rumoured to be taking on the role of Prince Eric in Disney's live-action remake of 'The Little Mermaid'. However, it has now been confirmed that he has turned it down.

Variety reports that sources that had confirmed Styles for the role were 'premature' and his decision to move on was 'amicable'.

A decision on the casting will be made soon. Halle Bailey will play Ariel in the film, while Melissa McCarthy will play Ursula.

The reaction to Styles pulling out of the film, meanwhile, has been what some might call 'a tad OTT':