Zayn Malik leaves One Direction to be a ‘normal’ 22-year-old

In what is the biggest entertainment news of 2015 so far, Zayn Malik has  announced his decision to quit mega-boyband One Direction.

In a statement, Malik 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 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'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right."

This - of course- has caused an online meltdown of Year 8 girls across the UK and outpourings of heartbreak and support for the 22-year-old Bradford lad have all but eclipsed any mention of Jeremy Clarkson on Twitter.

I actually have nothing to say but... I hope you are happier like this @zaynmalik you'll always be in my heart #ByeZayn i love you so much.. — Yara Malik (@1D_simplylife) March 25, 2015

They knew They all knew that this would be their last concert together #AlwaysInOurHeartsZaynMalik @zaynmalik pic.twitter.com/cLlzwxOAH9 — Mattia Pia Kezman卌 (@MellanieBreez) March 25, 2015

Breaking news: Zayn Malik confirmed the new host of Top Gear. Also, Jeremy Clarkson confirmed the new member of One Direction. — Mila Georgieva (@mila_georgieva) March 25, 2015

Snark aside, if Malik simply wasn’t enjoying his time in the band anymore, or the stresses of  being in the biggest pop entity on the planet were simply too much, then he absolutely did the right thing in walking away.

Irregardless of how successful or famous it made him; personal health has to come first. Fair play to him. It takes huge balls to do that, and the JOE team salutes him for it.

Men in the UK don’t always take stress seriously enough, ploughing on when it might not be beneficial. This is a strong example of a young man knowing when he's had enough and credit must go to him for making that decision.