The 22-year-old singer has made the decision to bow out of the chart-topping boyband, One Direction, leaving Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson to continue on their own. Zayn said in a statement released to MailOnline today:

“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 now fab four, will record their fifth album without Zayn and will continue with the remaining dates on the band’s forthcoming world tour. Wonder what REALLY happened? I have a feeling there’s a juicy back-story. There usually is… but don’t be TOO sad. Zayn will be OK, for the rest of his life. The boys are worth an estimated $20 million –each. (via Daily Mail)