Zayn Malik was nearly fired from One Direction for not showing up for a rehearsal, it has emerged.

The singer joined the band back in 2010 when five solo contestants were pieced together on the UK X Factor.

However, it seems all wasn't rosy when the band first started, with Liam Payne admitting that it was hard to get everyone together. He said at a press conference today (August 19) to promote upcoming film This Is Us:

"The first week we got together it was all a bit strange trying to get people together for rehearsals. Still to this day it's a struggle to get Zayn out of bed."

Director Morgan Spurlock then revealed that Malik was close to being sacked from One Direction, saying:

"Remember he didn't show up and you were going to fire him?"

This Is Us meanwhile is due to hit cinema screens from August 29.