One Direction heartthrob has admitted that he should never have dated Rebecca Ferguson.

The pair forged a relationship after meeting on the X Factor in 2010 but their romance was short-lived, with the duo splitting up after a few months.

Speaking to Now magazine, Malik said that there was no chance of the relationship ever working and that getting together with the soul singer was misguided. When asked if it was unrealistic for the pair to last, the 'One Thing' man said:

"Definitely. That was definitely unrealistic. That's evident now."

"It was just a wrong idea from the start. It shouldn't have happened."

As previously reported, Malik said that he dated Ferguson because he wanted some comfort as his life turned upside down and fame kicked in.

The One Direction hunk is currently in a relationship with Little Mix star Perrie Edwards.