Has Zayn had a change of heart? Why Perrie’s friends are ‘terrified’…

Sure it was the breakup that just about everyone saw coming.

Still, Zayn Malik and Perrie Edwards's split remains one of the most upsetting celeb separations of the year to date.

And with Perrie said to be nursing a broken heart two months on, Zayn, 22, was been linked to a string of beauties including Selena Gomez, Burberry model Neelam Gill, and Carlyn Bryan, a stunning LA-based PR executive. 

Now, however, it is rumoured that the former One Direction-er has had a MAJOR change of heart. In fact, friends say he is desperate to win back his long-term Little Mix love. 

He's even, if reports in the Daily Star Sunday are to be believed, messaged her via text to tell the 22-year-old that he LOVES her (ironically, when he ended their engagement – he was also said to have done so with a one-line text).

Smitten Ms Edwards is seriously considering giving things another go, though understandably due to the heartache he's caused, the prospect of a reunion is somewhat less appealing to the likes of her bandmates, who are particularly protective of Perrie. 

"Zayn has started messaging Perrie again saying he misses and still loves her," a source told the weekend publication.

"Although Perrie is trying to be strong and move on, it's obvious to everyone around her she's still in love with Zayn.

"Seeing him with other women is killing her."

While the source went on to say that "so far they haven't met up," they furthermore stated: "Her friends are worried if he begs her to take him back she could crumble."

Perrie and Zayn dated for three years and were engaged for two – but ultimately went their separate ways in August amid rumours of his infidelity.