Former Britain's Got Talent contestants The Mend have revealed that when they met One Direction's Zayn Malik recently, he surprised them by praising their talent and saying he wished his group was like theirs.

Manchester boyband The Mend just supported Little Mix on their UK tour and met Malik, who is dating Perrie Edwards, backstage after one of the concerts. Member Dean Kelly told Sugarscape that he had nothing but supportive words for them and even hinted at being envious of their lineup:

"D’y know what – Zayn was actually there on one of the nights. It was Liverpool Echo arena and Zayn come up to us backstage and he was like, d'you know what boys, I take my hat off to you guys, you’re wicked. Do you know what? I wish I was in a group like yours."

Dean joked: "We were like, yes – buzzing. I said I wish I was in your group mate – I wouldn’t mind the money!"

Singer Jay Kontzle added: "Yeah he asked to join the band, but we said we’re not looking for a member at the moment."

Watch a part of The Mend's DNA tour diary here: