Simon Cowell has said sorry for joking about Zayn Malik leaving One Direction.

The singer quit the band earlier this year to spend time out of the spotlight.

While collecting a prize from the group recently at the Music Industry Trust Awards, Cowell quipped "who misses Zayn?".

Speaking to Fresh 102.7, Cowell - who said at the time he was "hammered" - has now apologised for any offence caused by the joke.

He said: "I just kind of thought when I was standing on stage with them, that they were back to being five, and I saw myself [being a part of] One Direction for a moment.

"That's when I made that quip, ‘Who Needs Zayn?' which of course backfired hugely. So I apologise to any Zayn fans out there – it was meant as a joke."

Malik meanwhile has penned a solo contract with RCA Records and is expected to release music next year.

One Direction, however, will take a prolonged break in 2016.

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