Zayn Malik developing TV show inspired by One Direction

Former One Direction member Zayn Malik may have called off his concert in Dubai over 'anxiety' issues, but that certainly hasn't stop the singer for exploring his creative talent elsewhere.

The singer is developing a scripted series with NBC, inspired by his own life and experiences in the boy band, as reported by Variety.

Titled 'Boys', the drama hails from super-producer Dick Wolf and his wife Noelle Wolf.

Sherri Cooper Landsman and Jennifer Levin, co-creators of the CW's 'Beauty and the Beast', will write the project.

'Boys' follows the formation of a hugely successful boy band and captures all the excitement, competition, and fun, but also provides an inside look into the pressure that follows.

"Dick Wolf is a legend and the opportunity to work with him and NBC to create a compelling drama series is awesome," said Malik.

Noelle Wolf first brought the project to NBC with Unigram's Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron, and First Access Entertainment's Sarah Stennett.

Stennett will serve as executive music producer and will manage all music rights created in the series, in partnership with NBCUniversal.

The Wolfs will serve as executive producers along with Malik, Ghost, Cooper Landsman, Levin, and Peter Jankowski.
Cameron will serve as co-executive producer.

"We were intrigued by the synergistic potential that Zayn brings to the project. 'Boys' will be a show that's totally integrated on broadcast and digital platforms. Casting and original music will be major components, giving the show promotional potential on multiple levels," said Noelle Wolf.

Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment said: "Zayn certainly brings an authentic point of view to this world where kids are catapulted into fame at a dizzying speed.

"On top of our excitement around the creative ideas being discussed, we have a lot of respect for the musical and digital ambitions behind the project."

Malik rose to prominence on 'The X Factor' in the UK when Simon Cowell formed the boy band One Direction, along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson.

The English singer departed One Direction in March 2015 to focus on his solo career, and since released his chart-topper 'Pillow Talk', becoming the first British male artist to debut at no.1 in both the UK and the US with his debut single and album.

Earlier this week, Malik called off his Dubai gig following his battle with anxiety.

The hit singer confirmed the news in the early hours of Tuesday, releasing a statement to the legion of fans that were expected to attend his October 7 gig at the Autism Rocks Arena.

For the UAE’s concert scene, Malik’s cancellation comes as a second blow following last month’s announcement of singer Selena Gomez also calling off her Dubai gig over health concerns.