A BRADFORD schoolboy who became a member of the world's biggest band quit last night saying he wants the chance be "a normal 22-year-old".

Zayn Malik, who grew up in East Bowling and has made an estimated £14 million fortune from One Direction since he was a 17-year-old, cited the pressures of being in the limelight as he apologised to the band's legion of fans.

The group immediately said they would continue as a four-piece for their world tour and record another album - their fifth - later this year.

Zayn, who took a break from his studies at Tong High School to appear on The X Factor in 2010 where the band was formed, 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.

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"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."

Zayn left the boyband's world tour last week after being "signed off with stress" and returned to the UK after he was forced to defend himself online and declare his love for fiancee Perrie Edwards when pictures emerged of him apparently close to another woman.

In a statement, the rest of the group said: "We're really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future.

"The past five years have been beyond amazing - we've gone through so much together, so we will always be friends.

"The four of us will now continue. We're looking forward to recording the new album and seeing all the fans on the next stage of the world tour."

Simon Cowell, who discovered the boyband on the talent show, said: "I would like to say thank you to Zayn for everything he has done for One Direction.

"Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond - and immensely proud - of him. I have seen him grow in confidence and I am truly sorry to see him leave.

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Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

"As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band."

Zayn, who is engaged to Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards, appeared in a leaked video last year smoking what appeared to be a joint while the group travelled in a van in South America.

He was also forced to explain his absence from promotional commitments after a US TV host questioned his bandmates about ''rumours of substance abuse''.

Celebrities and fans took to Twitter to react to his departure.

Gary Barlow wrote: "Sending my best to all the 1D boys ! #thatters we've all been there haven't we ? !!!!!"

McBusted star Harry Judd tweeted: "Bum out news for 1D fans Sad to see Zayn go but you gotta do what you gotta do. Brave decision".

Matt Cardle, a singer who won The X Factor in 2010, said: "Hope you're all good brother. Thinking of ya."

Josh Cuthbert, a singer in Union J, wrote: "Sad to hear about Zayn leaving 1D. Cool fella with a wicked voice. Wish him the best of luck".

YouTube personality Zoella tweeted: "WAIT WHAT?? Am I hearing this correctly? Zayn has quit One Direction?"

While Gary Lineker wrote: "Zayn Malik has left One Direction. Life will never be quite the same again."

The band's 2013 album, Midnight Memories, topped the US Billboard Top 200 chart making them the first group in history to debut at number one with their first three albums.

The video for their single, Best Song Ever, attracted almost 200 million views on YouTube, and its follow-up, Story of My Life, recorded more than 100 million views.

A spokesman for the band said Malik was at home with his family and Miss Edwards.

The boyband are currently in Indonesia where they have played a concert in Jakarta before flying on to South Africa for another string of gigs.