Zayn Malik has joked that Simon Cowell still bullies him over his dancing skills.

The One Direction star almost missed out on a place in the band during The X-Factor audition stages when he refused to take part in a dancing masterclass held by Brian Friedman.

The heartthrob was then persuaded to give it a go by the media mogul, who Zayn says has never let him forget it:

“He always bullies me about it. He asks me if I’ve had dancing lessons and says he heard I can breakdance now.”

The 19-year-old also told Now magazine that he’s relieved One Direction don’t have too many dance routines when performing live:

“I don’t think that would suit us in any way, shape or form. We’re just five young lads having fun and that’s what our performance should be.”