Zayn Malik has left One Direction. The 22-year-old crooner announced the news on the band’s
after quitting the band’s tour: ‘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 band have also given 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.’
Twenty years ago, Robbie Williams left Take That and they shortly split up (for a bit). People were so upset at the split that Childline opened a special line so that people could call and talk through what they were upset about. Now, we know One Direction haven't split up, but One Direction are a far bigger band than Take That were (or are, what's left of them), but we thought we'd get in touch with Childline to find out if they'd set up a special line for fans now that Zayn has quit the band.
Their spokesperson told The Debrief: 'If children are upset they can call Childline or use our website or text service. We're not doing a special line, but if children are upset about Zayn leaving One Direction, they can get in tough 24 hours a day.'
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.