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 And then there were four: Zayn Malik said he is leaving chart-topping boy band One Direction "to be a normal 22 year old", making his recent appearance in Hong Kong his last with the popular group.
 In an announcement on Wednesday that broke teenage hearts and sent social media into a tizzy, Malik's bandmates said they were sad to see him go "but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future".
 Malik said in a statement that his time 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," he said. "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."
 Just a week ago, the band played a sold-out show at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld-Expo, to a crowd of mostly teenage girls.
However, while the rest of the band were charming and engaged with the crowd, Malik, famous for hitting high notes, seemed "apathetic" and "struggled to smile even once", said a  South China Morning  Post reviewer who attended the concert.

 Although rumours had swirled that Malik was unhappy in the band, fans expressed surprise at the news.
 "I'm a bit shocked as to why he's leaving," said 19-year-old student Sophia Staite.
 "It seems strange. It seems they could have gone on for much, much longer. They do have the best fan base of any group or singer. It's quite sad because they have always been quite a close band."
 One Direction, currently on a world tour, said the band would continue with the four remaining members and would record a new album later this year.
 After the Hong Kong show, Malik flew home from  the Philippines last week, citing stress.
 Malik's departure from the tour came after he hit back at rumours of trouble in his relationship with fiancee Perrie Edwards of the band Little Mix.


Singer Zayn Malik steps down from Chart-topping boy band One Direction citing stress

Former One Direction star Zayn Malik is seeking a normal life.

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Chart-topping group of teenage heart-throbs loses key member who says he craves privacy


Singer Zayn Malik steps down from Chart-topping boy band One Direction citing stress

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Chart-topping group of teenage heart-throbs loses key member who says he craves privacy

Chart-topping group of teenage heart-throbs loses key member who says he craves privacy