Already have an account?
Get back to the

Zayn Malik Thanks One Direction in First Public Appearance Since Split: They’re “The Best Guys I’ve Ever Met”

Zayn Malik
Zayn Malik thanked his former One Direction bandmates in his first public appearance on Friday, April 17, since leaving the band

Here’s to their midnight memories! Zayn Malik is still good friends with his One Direction bandmates, despite quitting the group after five years last month. The British heartthrob thanked Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson while on stage at the Asian Awards on Friday, April 17.

Related: PHOTOS: The biggest boy bands of all time

“I’d like to thank my mum and dad,” he said at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, via Now Daily. “And I’d also like to take this moment to thank four of the best guys I’ve ever met. Everything I’ve done with them will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Related: PHOTOS: Hot Brits

Malik, 22, took his mother Trisha Malik to the event as his plus one. He looked healthy and happy — and even showed off a new shaved head!

One Direction
One Direction

“He simply just fancied a change,” a source told Us Weekly. “No biggie. He’s in a great place.”

Related: PHOTOS: Best video music cameos

Indeed, days after announcing his 1D exit, Malik headed back into the studio to work on some solo projects. He also recently returned from a tropical getaway with his fiancee Perrie Edwards.

In this article

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!