Simon Cowell admits Zayn’s departure shocked him

It’s been two weeks now since Zayn Malik’s departure from One Direction and nobody saw it coming – not even Simon Cowell.

Speaking out about Zayn’s decision to leave the superstar band, Simon said the singer needs some time to get his head together: “He’s a fantastic singer, he’s got to get his head together a little bit and needs time on his own.”

The X Factor judge also added that Zayn’s departure took him by surprise, saying: “I wasn’t expecting it to happen so quickly. You just have to deal with it.”

We’re trying here, Simon. Give us a break.

Meanwhile, the remaining One Direction lads have released their first poster as a foursome:

Something tells us they'll do okay – and Simon think so too: "As long as the boys want it, and I think they do, they will continue to be successul."

Well said, Simon!