The breaking news has left 1Direction fans reeling as it was revealed that Zayn Malik has left the band ahead of their SA Tour. We all know Jeremy Clarkson is available, perhaps he will have a new job soon…

Today, the world as we knew it changed forever when Zayn Malik and Jeremy Clarkson left their jobs and created a media frenzy. A few headlines, memes and heartbreak later and the world is still reeling in shock.

Malik said: “My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I’d like to apologize to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world.”

One Direction came back to say: “We’re really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future. The past five years have been beyond amazing, we’ve gone through so much together, so we will always be friends. The four of us will now continue. We’re looking forward to recording the new album and seeing all the fans on the next stage of the world tour.”

Simon Cowell, who discovered the boyband on talent show The X Factor, said: “I would like to say thank you to Zayn for everything he has done for One Direction. “Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond – and immensely proud – of him. I have seen him grow in confidence and I am truly sorry to see him leave. As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band.”

Niall, Harry, Liam and Louis will continue as a four-piece and look forward to the forthcoming concerts of their world tour and are set to perform in South Africa this weekend.Perhaps Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear would like to help out on the tour, considering his recent availability after being fired from Top Gear…

Finding it hard to imagine a world where Clarkson joins the world’s biggest boyband? Well struggle no more, we came across this video gold…