One Direction Has First Interview After Zayn’s Departure

The group says that they are “gutted” at the loss of their fifth member.

Zayn Malik recently became the first person to jump ship from the enormously popular boyband One Direction. Though they had all been pretty quiet about his departure, apart from some sad moments during concerts and a few Tweets, the just recently sat down and had an interview with U.K. Newspaper The Sun. Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Niall Horan opened up individually about how Malik’s emotional decision will affect the group, their tour, and any future ventures.

“It’s been a tough few weeks, probably the toughest since the band was formed five years ago,” Liam told the newspaper. “We’re gutted that Zayn chose to leave, but now after a few performances as a four piece, we’re feeling confident and are determined to carry on stronger than ever.” Surely the group has not allowed Zayn’s departure to affect their world tour, which is currently in Europe and Asia but will be heading to North America soon. Despite the loss, the men and the Directioners are intent on staying positive about what’s to come and continuing their On the Road Again tour.

“We’re looking forward to seeing all our fans on the tour this year,” said Niall in the interview. “All we want to do is make them proud and return their faith in us with a brilliant tour and an amazing new album.”

Zayn, though he cited stress as his reason for leaving the band, is already working on solo music and even has a song already released (but then it was taken down after backlash from the fans). The group started working on their next studio album in February, but they will most likely have to rework tracks now that Zayn is gone.

As for the rumors that Harry Styles will be the next member to leave the group? “All four of us are 100 percent committed to staying in One Direction and we want to thank the fans for being so incredible during this time,” Louis assures fans.