Zayn Malik cancels performance because of anxiety attack

Zayn Malik has cancelled a live performance because he is "haunted by anxiety". The 23-year-old singer was due to perform at Capital FM's Summertime Ball in London on Saturday (11.06.16) but pulled out at the last minute after suffering "the worst anxiety of my career". He wrote on Instagram: "To all those people who have been waiting to see me perform at the Capital Summertime Ball today.. "I flew into the UK last night to appear in my home country in front of my family, friends, and most importantly my UK fans. "Unfortunately my anxiety that has haunted me throughout the last few months around live performances has gotten the better of me... with the magnitude of the event I have suffered the worst anxiety of my career. I cannot apologise enough but I want to be honest with everyone who has patiently waited to see me, I promise I will do my best to make this up to everybody I've let down today. "I know those who suffer anxiety will understand and I hope those who don't can empathise with my situation." Zayn had been spotted with his girlfriend Gigi Hadid in New York on Friday (10.06.16) as they made their way to the airport to fly to the UK. The singer quit One Direction in March 2015 claiming he wanted to be a "normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight" but it wasn't long before he launched a successful solo career. However, the 'Pillowtalk' hitmaker has admitted that he hates talking in front of crowds. He said previously: "When it comes to TV, that's the worst. I hate the whole setup. It's when you are fully glammed up and you're sitting with a hundred lights in your face and someone is asking you questions in front of a crowd of people - that's when it becomes a bit strange for me. "I'm not a public speaker. I'm a singer. Those two things are very different in my brain. I'm not an extrovert in everyday life. I'm a performer. When it comes to stage I can sing and do that, but when I'm in normal-day life I'm very reserved. I guess that's my downfall."