Simon Cowell says he knew Zayn Malik wasn't 100% happy in One Direction before calling it quits in March.

The Syco label boss is quoted by the Daily Star as saying that whilst he knew of the singer's discontent, the news of his departure still came as a shock.

Cowell said: "I was a bit surprised to be honest. 

“I knew he wasn’t happy, but then when I got the call it wasn’t great."

One Direction have continued as a four-piece, with a new album planned for later this year.

The group are currently in the midst of their On The Road Again world stadium tour.

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Watch One Direction in action without Malik below: