In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the music industry, Zayn Malik has officially rejoined One Direction over a decade after his dramatic departure from the globally successful boyband.
The Corporate Comeback
New documents filed with Companies House reveal that Malik has been reinstated as a business director of PPM Music Limited, the original company established by the band members following their breakthrough on The X Factor. This marks his first official involvement with the group's business affairs since his role was terminated on June 20, 2016.
The singer now appears alongside former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan as directors of the company. The name PPM stands for Princess Park Manor, the private gated complex where the band lived after winning the television competition that launched their careers.
A Tragedy That Brought Them Together
The emotional reconciliation follows the devastating death of band member Liam Payne, who tragically passed away in October last year at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. All four of his former bandmates attended the funeral, marking the first time they had been seen together in years.
A source close to the situation revealed: 'While heartbreaking, Liam's passing has brought them together, it's even more sad he was the biggest cheerleader of a reunion.' The insider confirmed that 'since Liam's passing the boys have been in contact', suggesting the tragedy has facilitated healing among the former band members.
Signs of Thawing Relations
The corporate reunion follows several public indications of improving relationships between Malik and his former bandmates. Earlier this year, Zayn gave a shoutout to Louis Tomlinson after he attended Malik's Los Angeles concert at the Shrine Exposition Hall.
Furthermore, rumours about a One Direction reunion intensified last month when it emerged that Zayn and Louis signed a multi-million pound deal to travel across the United States while discussing their lives and reflecting on memories from their days in the band. Sources close to the production have revealed the pair are likely to discuss the tragic death of their friend and bandmate Liam during the project.
Malik, who is set to kick off his first ever Las Vegas residency in January, has lived in America permanently since 2018. The band found superstardom after appearing on The X Factor in 2010 and went on to sell a whopping 70 million records worldwide, winning almost 200 awards including seven Brit Awards and six Billboard Music Awards.
Alan McEvoy, who runs Live Wire Business Management and previously worked with One Direction as well as fellow X Factor stars Olly Murs and JLS, is also listed as involved in the company according to the recent filings.
