Take That And Other Messy Band Departures

Take That fans will be able to offer One Directioners some advice after news broke that Zayn Malik has left the band.

In 1995, Robbie Williams left the group at the height of their fame after conflicts with the other members and struggles with drug abuse.

Helplines were launched to support the band's young fans who could not cope with the news of Williams' departure.

The remaining members of Take That disbanded in 1996, while Williams went on to have a hugely successful solo career.

He rejoined Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Jason Orange in 2010 but then left again in 2014.

Barlow tweeted his empathy for One Direction , saying: "Sending my best to all the 1D boys ! #thatters we've all been there haven't we ? !!!!!"

Donald added: "All will b ok in the end."

Take That are not the only band to have lost members over the years.

Here are a few more which may, or may not, have shocked music fans.

:: Spice Girls

In 1998 Geri Halliwell announced she was leaving the girl group, citing irreconcilable differences with the other members.

The band carried on without her for a few years but eventually called it quits in 2000.

Halliwell embarked on a solo career but failed to see the success she had had with the Spice Girls.

:: Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac have had their fair share of people leaving the band but the departure of Christine McVie was the most notable.

She quit in 1998 to spend time with her family.

The remaining members carried out without her.

In 2014, it was announced that McVie had officially reunited with Fleetwood Mac and the band launched a worldwide tour.

:: The Beatles

John Lennon left the Fab Four in 1969 but did not officially announce it to the world until 1970 when Paul McCartney revealed he was releasing a solo album.

:: N-Sync

The band had not performed for a while when Justin Timberlake released his first solo album in 2002 after making no secret of his desire to leave the group.

In 2004, he announced he had officially left the band.

He has seen his successful music and film career turn him into a huge star.

:: Oasis

After tensions between Noel and Liam Gallagher culminated in a backstage fight in 2009 where Liam broke Noel's guitar, a statement was released saying the group "does not exist anymore".

Two hours later, a statement from Noel appeared on the band's website writing that "with some sadness and great relief ... I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer."

Liam formed a band called Beady Eye which has since split, while Noel launched a solo project called Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.