New Direction: Zayn Signs Solo Record Deal

Zayn Malik has signed a solo record deal with RCA – four months after breaking the hearts of teenage fans worldwide by leaving One Direction.

The 22-year-old revealed the news to his 15 million followers on Twitter.

In an apparent dig at his former bandmates, Malik wrote: "I guess I never explained why I left, it was for this moment to be given the opportunity to show you who I really am! #realmusic".

He also uploaded a photograph which shows him signing documents - seemingly at the offices of RCA Records.

Other renowned performers who are signed to the label include Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Kelly Clarkson, Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus.

Simon Cowell also congratulated Malik on the move, which they had "been working on for a while".

The music mogul tweeted: "I believe they are the perfect label for @zaynmalik's solo career and I am sure whatever they release together will be special."

Days after his departure from One Direction, a demo recording of Malik performing on his own was posted online by a renowned producer.

Although Malik had left the band on good terms, the leak led to infighting between the bandmates.