Zayn Malik announced he was leaving One Direction this week because he wanted a “normal” life.
But the news came just days after he was spotted holding hands with a fan in Thailand despite being engaged to Little Mix star Perrie Edwards.
The former 1D hunk was signed off with stress after images of him with the girl emerged but it seems his relationship with Perrie could have more to do with him quitting the band than he’s letting on.
Zayn is reportedly more determined than ever to marry Perrie who has been flashing her engagement ring while out and about in London this week.
A source told HollywoodLife: “Zayn is going to get married sooner rather than later because he’s scared and lonely.
“Perrie is his security blanket, and he wants her with him keeping him safe.”
Speaking out after leaving the band that made him famous, Zayn sounded loved-up when he spoke about his fiancée, describing her as a “good girl”.
He added to The Sun: “You know, I did try to do something that I wasn’t happy doing for a while, for the sake of maybe other people’s happiness.
“And that was mainly for the fans. And I only ever tried to do it for the fans, and it was only ever for them.”
So, with Zayn concentrating on himself for the time being could we soon be hearing the sound of wedding bells now he’s jumped the One Direction ship?
We're off to buy a hat...
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.