Zayn Malik cancels London gig due to 'the worst anxiety of his career'

Malik is apologising to his fans and promising to make it up to them

Malik apologised to his fans but also emphasised the importance of being honest about the reasoning behind his decision to pull out (Getty Images)

Zayn Malik has cancelled a performance at Capital FM’s Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium due to suffering from anxiety.

The 23-year-old former One Direction singer posted a long apology on his Instagram and his Twitter page and explained that he has recently “suffered the worst anxiety” of his career.

Malik specifically linked this to his fear of live performances.

The singer apologised to his fans but also emphasised the importance of being honest about the reasoning behind his decision to pull out.

“Unfortunately, my anxiety that has haunted me throughout the last few months around live performances has gotten the best of me,” Malik wrote. “With the magnitude of the event, I have suffered the worst anxiety of my life.”

Malik pledged to make it up to fans and concluded by saying, “I know those who suffer anxiety will understand and I hope those who don't can empathise with my situation.”

Malik was due to appear alongside Tinie Tempah, Ariana Grande, Clean Bandit, Will.i.am, Years & Years, Nick Jonas and more. Malik’s performance at the event, which raises money for charity, would have been his first live solo stage performance in the UK.

Fellow musician, Ellie Goulding, expressed her support for Malik on Twitter, writing, “Anxiety is real, I know the feeling”, while This Morning's Phillip Schofield wrote, “I have huge respect for Zayn with this.”

Fans also came to his support and commended his honesty.

In a statement, Capital FM said: “We know everyone's already had a great day and enjoyed the 19 other huge artists' performances, but of course we're all gutted that Zayn's had to pull out tonight at the last minute.”

In January, Malik pulled out of the Graham Norton Show due to "scheduling issues" and a month later cancelled a Radio Two performance with Greg James, a decision which was criticised as “rude” by Piers Morgan.