Liam Payne: Zayn Malik leaving is strange

OHMYGOSSIP — Liam Payne has had a “long and strange” 24 hours because of Zayn Malik leaving One Direction. The group stunned fans yesterday (25.03.15) when they announced the 22-year-old singer – who left their world tour last week due to stress – was quitting for good, and Liam has found the hours surrounding the announcement, including a performance in Jakarta, Indonesia, surreal.

He tweeted some time after the show: “So glad to be in bed after a long and strange 24 hours.”

Liam’s bandmate Harry Styles – who was seen crying on stage during last night’s concert – used his social networking account to thank fans for their support.

He tweeted: “All the love as always. H (sic)”

Meanwhile, the ‘Little Things’ group’s record company boss, Simon Cowell – who formed the band on ‘The X Factor’ in 2010 – has also thanked fans for their support and reassured them the band will go on to enjoy “great” things as a four-piece.

He posted on Twitter: “Sometimes strength is not defined by numbers.

“As always you the fans have shown your amazing support to all the boys. When you have great talent great things happen.”

Zayn announced he had quit the boy band – which also includes Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan – to lead a “normal” life out of the spotlight.

In a statement, he 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.”