Zayn Malik has quit One Direction after five years. The 22-year-old singer has made the decision to bow out of the chart-topping boyband, leaving Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson to continue as a four-piece. Zayn said in a statement released to MailOnline on Wednesday afternoon: 'My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined.
The Best Song Ever hitmakers will record their fifth album in Zayn's absence and will continue with the remaining dates on the band's forthcoming world tour.
One Direction said in a second statement released to MailOnline: '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.'
While E! News claimed Harry will be the next star to leave, planning a solo career and a move into acting, Harry's representatives rubbished the story on Wednesday night.
A rep told MailOnline: 'The band, including Harry, have an upcoming world tour and have announced a brand new album for later this year as a four piece.'
Meanwhile, Simon Cowell - who masterminded One Direction from five solo artists who auditioned for The X Factor back in 2010 - thanked Zayn for his commitment to the band.
He added: '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.'
Within minutes of the news being announced, the star's name was trending on Twitter as the heartthrob's fans mourned their pop idol's departure.
Reactions ranged from heartbroken, to compassionate to angry, but the overriding emotion was devastation.
One fan wrote, 'zayn please @zaynmalik i cant stop crying', while another said, 'Sitting in my room crying over zayn malik cant believe it my favourite person ever #zaynleavesonedirection #saddestimeever @zaynmalik'.
Say it isn't so: Within minutes of the news being announced, the star's name was trending on Twitter
No way: The heartthrob's fans mourned their pop idol's departure as they flocked to social media
Shocked: Reactions ranged from heartbroken, to compassionate to angry, but the overriding emotion was devastation
Hurting: Millions of fans shared their devastation as the news began to spread worldwide
Selfish: One fan had a slight more angry reaction saying, 'you couldn't even waiting until after this tour was over? selfish @zaynmalik'
Chiming in: Outspoken columnist Katie Hopkins couldn't help but make comment about the news
Understanding: Former X Factor contestant and JLS member Aston Merrygold sent his best wishes
Predictions: UK rap artist Tinie Tempah suggested that Zayn might launch a solo career
Mocking? Gary Lineker seemed to be making of fun of the distressed reactions
Secret fan? Professor Green also seemed to be mocking fans with his tweet
Cheeky: Notorious X Factor contestant Frankie Cocozza added his two cents to the mix
Some fans questioned whether the others could continue on as a four piece without Zayn.
'@zaynmalik we will never forget you because there is no one direction without you', one user posted.
One fan had a slight more angry reaction saying: 'you couldn't even waiting until after this tour was over? selfish @zaynmalik'.
1D Updates wrote: 'I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO OR SAY IM SHAKING AND CRYING AND I DONT WANT THIS TO BE REAL'.
Courtney Boerner tweeted: 'You know your life is pathetic when you start crying over a member of One Direction leaving the band....IM SO SAD'.
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