Despite claiming he quit One Direction this week because he wanted some time away from the spotlight Zayn Malik headed into the recording studio less than 24 hours after his announcement.
And now we know why – Simon Cowell and his record label Syco have the rights to Zayn’s solo work and his new album could be released as soon as next year.
A source told The Sun: “Zayn is now the most in-demand solo artist in the world. There’s huge excitement as he’s the first member who will be able to release on their own.
“Simon was very understanding about him leaving the band but quickly made it clear he would stay a Syco artist for his future projects.
“He’ll now be able to make sure any releases are timed so they don’t clash with anything by One Direction.”
Speaking after leaving 1D this week, Zayn said he planned to relax and write music and said he already feels more in control of his life.
He is expected to work with the same record company executives for his solo projects as he did in his One Direction days.
The source added: “Obviously everyone at Syco would have preferred he had stayed part of the band but this result still works out for everyone.”
Zayn announced he was leaving the biggest boyband of the moment this week because he wanted a “normal” life.
He said: “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’m 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 and 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.