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The (former) Fab Five: A look at One Direction as they were

FILE- In this March 25, 2015 file photo, members of One Direction, from left, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan, wave during an event to promote their film "One Direction: This Is US," in Makuhari, near Tokyo. Malik said Wednesday, March 25, 2015, he is leaving chart-topping boy band One Direction "to be a normal 22-year-old." His bandmates said they were sad to see him go "but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future." (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File) FILE- In this March 25, 2015 file photo, members of One Direction, from left, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan, wave during an event to promote their film "One Direction: This Is US," in Makuhari, near Tokyo. Malik said Wednesday, March 25, 2015, he is leaving chart-topping boy band One Direction "to be a normal 22-year-old." His bandmates said they were sad to see him go "but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future." (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File)

By Associated Press March 25, 2015 1 min read

Zayn Malik delivered a shocker to his fans when he announced he was quitting the chart-topping band One Direction.

The British singer announced Wednesday he was quitting the band “to be a normal 22-year-old.” His bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne – currently in the middle of their “On The Road Again” world tour – offered their best wishes but said they’d continue as a quartet.

One Direction formed in 2010 after five teenagers – Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Tomlinson and Malik – auditioned individually for the British TV talent show “The X Factor.” The quintet soon became one of the world’s top pop acts with multiplatinum records, sold-out tours and even a hit movie. In the wake of Malik’s departure, The Associated Press offers a look at One Direction’s best moments in pictures.