Rebecca Ferguson has shared her thoughts on Zayn Malik's recent departure from One Direction. The two singers briefly dated after meeting on The X Factor back in 2010, at the start of the band's fame.
At the time, their relationship made headlines due to the six-year age gap between the pair, but Rebecca and Zayn have always maintained that they are friends and split on good terms.
When quizzed about his exit from the band, Rebecca, 28, showed her support for her former love.
© Photo: Getty ImagesZayn Malik and Rebecca Ferguson dated for four months after meeting on The X Factor
"I think it looks to me like he has done the best thing for him really and he's kind of doing what makes him happy," said Rebecca during an appearance on Good Morning Britian. "There's rumours that he's going solo. I don't know what's true and what's not, but good luck to him. You've got to follow your heart, I think, with life."
Rebecca and Zayn, who is now engaged to Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards, dated for four months. While the Liverpool lass came runner-up in the ITV singing competition, One Direction finished in third place.
© Photo: Getty ImagesOne Direction finished third in the singing competition while Rebecca Ferguson was runner-up
Rebecca is currently on the promo trail for her new album Lady Sings the Blues, which is a tribute to Billie Holliday who would have turned 100 this year. The Nothing's Real But Love songstress, who studied a course on the iconic singer in college, recorded the album in Los Angeles.
"It was just magical, it was lovely," said Rebecca of the production process. "She was somebody whose life I just found so unbelievable."
© Photo: Getty ImagesRebecca Ferguson is currently promoting her new album Lady Sings the Blues
The star also noted how locals Stateside found it difficult to place her strong Scouse accent, and how it changes when she sings.
"It's just different," said Rebecca. "I think I grew up listening to a lot of soul music and a lot of Motown and I think it does influence how you sing. My voice is quite high-pitched and Scouse and when I sing it's completely different. A lot of people think I'm Scottish when I go to America. They can't place the accent."
