Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty Images Liam Payne and Zayn Malik experienced a series of ups and downs over the years. Both musicians were thrust into the spotlight alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson while on The X Factor in 2010 to form One Direction.

Zayn Malik almost missed his chance at fame. On the morning of his audition for The X Factor UK in 2010, he felt so nervous that he decided not to go — that is, until his mother, Tricia, basically dragged him out of bed and helped change his mind.

As Zayn Malik celebrates his 32nd birthday in style, Express.co.uk has looked back on the star's horrifying airport experience during his first trip to the US.

Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson all attended the funeral for ex-bandmate, Liam Payne

One Direction have made a heartfelt gesture in memory of late former bandmate Liam Payne months after his untimely death. The former One Direction star died after falling from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 16 October 2024.

One Direction is planning to re-release their 2013 documentary, This Is Us, with the proceeds going to charities in memory of the late band member Liam Payne. The popular boyband, which was formed on The X Factor in 2010 by Simon Cowell and guest judge Nicole Scherzinger,