Zayn Malik has left boy band One Direction, six days after being signed off with stress from their world tour.

The four remaining band members Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles, who have been together for five years, intend to complete the tour as a four piece. Malik, who's engaged to Little Mix star Perrie Edwards, said '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', while his band members said 'We're really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future'.