Zayn Malik quits One Direction

Zayn Malik quits One Direction

Harry Styles broke down in tears as One Direction performed as a quartet for the first time since Zayn Malik's shock decision to quit the band.
Malik - who left the group's world tour last week due to stress - has announced he is leaving the band to lead a "normal" life out of the spotlight.
The 22-year-old said: "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."
The remaining members of the group - Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles - took the stage in Jakarta on Wednesday night, with Styles seen wiping away tears.
The four have vowed to continue as a four-piece and have reassured fans that their world tour and recording of their fifth album will still go ahead.
They said in a statement: "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." (Bang Showbiz)
Click on the picture to see the rise and rise of 1D.

The Beginning

One Direction, also initialised as 1D, are based in London and first came together in 2010 after appearing on the UK reality TV show, The X Factor.