It was announced via Facebook that Zayn Malik is leaving One Direction.
Last week he was signed off from tour due to stress following rumours that he cheated on his fiancé Perrie Edwards, from Little Mix.
The announcement has come as a shock and has sent the fandom into a meltdown as Zayn was an integral part of the group and provided many, if not all of the high notes, most notably the high note in their single You And I.
One Direction will continue as a four consisting of Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne and will continue the On The Road Again tour as well as releasing the fifth album later this year.
After that is anyone’s guess.
The full statement can be read below and found on their official Facebook page.
After five incredible years Zayn Malik has decided to leave One Direction. Niall, Harry, Liam and Louis will continue as a four-piece and look forward to the forthcoming concerts of their world tour and recording their fifth album, due to be released later this year.
Zayn says: “My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I’d like to apologise to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world.”
One Direction say: “We’re really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future. The past five years have been beyond amazing, we’ve gone through so much together, so we will always be friends. The four of us will now continue. We’re looking forward to recording the new album and seeing all the fans on the next stage of the world tour.”
Simon Cowell says: “I would like to say thank you to Zayn for everything he has done for One Direction. Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond – and immensely proud – of him. I have seen him grow in confidence and I am truly sorry to see him leave. As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band.”
Zayn Malik, we love you and we wish you every success in whatever you choose to do next.