LONDON (CelebrityAccess) — Zayn Malik has reportedly departed from UK boy band One Direction and their current tour of Asia, with the band's rep citing stress as the reason for his exit.

A statement said: "Zayn has been signed off with stress and is flying back to the UK to recuperate. The band wish him well and will continue with their performances in Manila and Jakarta."

Malik's exit comes after some apparent romantic contretemps for Malik, who, on Wednesday, declared via Twitter, his love for his fiance Little Mix star Perrie Edwards. The pronouncement came after photos of Malik with his arm around the bare stomach of a woman in an abbreviated top surfaced.

There has also been speculation that Malik's exit may be related to alcohol, or substance abuse. Malik was one of two members of the band forced to provide a bond to ensure that they would not use or promote drugs while in the Philippine capital of Manilla for a concert this weekend. Last November, during a "Today" show appearance which Malik missed, host Matt Lauer quizzed the rest of the band about his alleged drug use. – Staff Writers

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