X Factor judge Louis Walsh has spoken out about Zayn Malik quitting One Direction, claiming he knew there was issues within the band.
The group finished third on the ITV talent contest on which Louis is a panellist in 2010 and he helped to form the band with fellow judges Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.
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[Zayn Malik's mum speaks out after Zayn quits...
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He has now said he predicted Zayn’s departure, telling Independent.ie: “I knew this was happening. I know everything! Every band has problems.”
However, the music boss insists 1D still have great things to come which will come as happy news to their fans.
He added: “The Spice Girls had it when Geri Halliwell left. Take That had it when Robbie [Williams] left. Westlife had it when Brian [McFadden] left. They all still continued.
“And One Direction will continue now that Zayn Malik has left One Direction. They will go on. The tour will go on.”
Zayn announced his departure from the band today, saying he wanted to live a quieter life.
He said in a statement: “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.”
GALLERY: Zayn Malik quits One Direction - here's how it happened
Zayn Malik quits One Direction - here's how it happened
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Zayn is spotted with a "mystery" blonde girl who ISN'T his fiancee Perrie Edwards while on tour in Thailand and Twitter goes into meltdown
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The "mystery blonde" is identified as Lauren Richardson from Essex, and things look cosy - though her mum insists she was "just posing for a snap" with Zayn
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As Twitter goes into meltdown over the photos, Zayn tweets: "I'm 22 years old... I love a girl named Perrie Edwards. And there's a lot of jealous f***s in this world I'm sorry for what it looks like x"
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Zayn then sensationally QUITS the One Direction tour. His publicist Simon Jones says: "Zayn has been signed off with stress and is flying back to the U.K. to recuperate."
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Perrie Edwards is seen leaving her house with an overnight bag hours after Zayn flies back into the UK - but she's still wearing her engagement ring
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Zayn's sister Waliyha, 16, urges fans to "pray" for her brother. “Don't worry guys, Zayn is going to be okay very soon,” she wrote. “All the stress has just gotten to him because of the rumours and hatred he has heard and received."
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Liam Payne infuriates fans by tweeting a photo of the band with "missing" Zayn...
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Zayn quits the band on 25 March. A statement reads: "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."
And a million Directioners' hearts break.