No Zayn Malik, no issue; One Direction vow to continue as 4-piece

One Direction have vowed to continue as a four-piece and quashed rumour they are set to split up in the wake of Zayn Malik's departure.

The band promised to continue after Zayn left so he can live like a "normal" 22-year-old .

The 22-year-old singer has made the decision to bow out of the chart-topping boy band, leaving Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson to continue as a four-piece.

His shock departure was swiftly followed by reports the group is on the verge of breaking up, but Liam Payne thanked fans for sticking with the band and “not thinking it’s finished”.

He tweeted, "I can see a lot of people thanking us for staying but you r the real Heros (sic) here thanks for not thinking it’s finished."

If Liam's message was not enough to appease One Direction fans bandmate Niall Horan confirmed their next album to placate the worrying fans, "Had a sit down last night with the label , started organising our writing sessions for the next album! Can't wait!"

The band has continued their 'On The Road Again' tour and have been playing in South Africa. They will soon visit Dubai and perform on April 4 at The Sevens Stadium.

Louis Tomlinson sent out a message to his followers promising to deliver the best album ever, "Been a crazy couple of days but know that we are going to work harder than ever to deliver the best album we've ever made for you guys!"

He continued, "Your support has been incredible, truly incredible so thank you so much!"

Zayn's decision to quit the band follows swiftly after rumors broke that Zayn was cheating on his fiance Little Mix popstar Perrie Edwards.

A picture of him hold hands with another girl in Thailand, while in another the two posed with his arm around her stomach went viral.

Zayn denied the rumours on Twitter,  and he insisted there is no bad blood between him and his former band mates, who he said have been "really supportive".

He is believed to be working on a solo album with acclaimed music producer Naughty Boy, who has worked with a string of hit-makers including Emeli Sande, Cheryl Cole and Leona Lewis.

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