How hysterical fans responded to Zayn Malik quitting One Direction

Fans are upset that Zayn Malik has left One Direction. Photo/AP

Speculation about his future reached fever pitch in the past week when Zayn Malik left the One Direction On The Road Again tour due to stress.

But fans' worst fears came true today when the heartthrob confirmed he had quit the band.

They wasted no time in taking to Twitter to share their hysterical reactions, ranging from imploring their idol to change to his mind, to comparing his departure to a death. One distraught fan even insisting her world had "stopped turning".

As "#AlwaysInOurHeartsZaynMalik" and "#PleaseZaynBackForUs" trended worldwide on Twitter, both celebrities and Directioners inundated the micro-blogging site with their thoughts on the departure which has rocked the showbiz world.

"#ReplaceZayn", "RIP One Direction" and "#blameperrie", [Zayn's fiance Perrie Edwards] also became trending topics.

@dodisozer echoed the disbelief of many, writing: "You can't do this to us, we can't do this," @coolkidsnodance wrote: "I can't believe it," and @1995harryzt added: "I'm crying, say it's not true."

is this what it feels like to get dumped?did zayn malik just break up with me

— des the cat lady (@helloimdesiree) March 25, 2015

IT HURTS SO BAD, ONE DIRECTION IS NOT THE SAME WITHOUT ZAYN 😭😭💔💔

— e² (@MyTomlinsonArmy) March 25, 2015

i'm half a heart without zayn malik

— 🥀 (@takeitmutual) March 25, 2015

always in our hearts zayn malik

i can't thank him enough for making me happy now it's his time to be happy

— irene (@harryftirene) March 25, 2015

- nzherald.co.nz