Millions of hearts collectively broke when Zayn Malik announced he was leaving world-famous boyband One Direction in 2015 - but sources say he's keen for a reconciliation with his bandmates almost a decade later.
His shock exit took place when the 'What Makes You Beautiful' hitmakers were in the midst of their 'On The Road Again Tour', saying he left due to 'stress'.
At the time, Zayn included the following in his statement: "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."
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Ultimately, the rest of One Direction - made up of Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Niall Horan - went on a 'hiatus' they never came back from in 2016 - instead, going on to pursue solo careers.
Zayn, now 31-years-old, also embarked upon a solo career and reached Number 1 with his sultry song 'Pillowtalk'.
He also had a high-profile relationship with supermodel Gigi Hadid, with the pair welcomong their daughter, Khai, in 2020 before they split.
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Just last week, Zayn opened up about the dynamic between himself and his bandmates that were put together on The X Factor during an appearance on The Zach Sang Show.
He said: "We resented each other to a certain degree because we were solo artists that were put in a band, and we should have never felt that way.
"It should have never been a competition. It should have always been a camaraderie, and we should have always been there for each other and had each other's backs.
"The one thing I always feel bad about when I look back over my life is not enjoying the band enough. I feel like I just took things too seriously."
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This surprising admission comes after years of supposed tension between the band members - and in another twist, sources claim Zayn is actually hopeful for a One Direction reconciliation.
An insider told the Daily Mail: "[Zayn] is trying to figure out the best way to reach out because it will be odd, weird, and uncomfortable, but it is something that has been on his mind.
"Whether that leads them to working together again musically is one thing, but Zayn's reasoning is to become friends with his mates that he did so much with."
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They continued: "'Zayn wants to approach them for forgiveness and friendship. Working with them is not important to him right now.
"He has matured and wants to show the rest of the guys this. To be friends again would be amazing."
We have our fingers firmly crossed!
Kya Buller