'Story Of My Life' heartthrobs One Direction recently lost a member after Zayn Malik decided to quit the boyband and their mentor Simon Cowell has now spoken out about this big change. 

During an interview with OK! magazine, the music mogul was asked his opinion on Malik's untimely departure and confessed that it came as a shock but he now needs to focus on making sure they're all happy and willing to continue on:

"It happens, in bands. You can't make somebody do something they don't want to do. I respected his decision. But these are strong boys, they've got real heart, real character and once they got over the shock, they just got together and put on some amazing shows - so they're in good spirits."

"I wasn't expecting it to happen so quickly, but when things like this happen, you just have to deal with it. I have to respect his wishes. I knew for a while that he was thinking about the future. It did come as a bit of a shock, but I have to look after him and the boys. Having seen the shows they've done since he left, they've been incredible. The reaction has been amazing."

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Watch footage from recent One Direction interviews here: