Zayn Malik pulls out of major solo gig over anxiety fear

Zayn Malik has pulled out of a major gig over "extreme anxiety" about performing solo.

The former One Direction star cancelled his show at Autism Rocks in Dubai because he does not feel confident enough to perform.

The 23-year-old, who released his first solo album in March, was due to play in the UAE on 7 October.

In a message to fans, Malik said: "I have been working over the last three months to overcome my extreme anxiety around major live solo performances.

"I feel I am making progress but I have today acknowledged that I do not feel sufficiently confident to move forward with the planned show in Dubai in October".

In June, Malik pulled out of the Capital Summertime Ball in London, blaming his anxiety.

In his message to fans, Malik continued added: "I am truly sorry to disappoint you. I hope to see you all soon. Thank you to all my fans who support me globally".

The singer reassured fans all tickets would be refunded.

Thomas Ovesen, CEO of concert organiser 117Live, said he wished Malik "all the best for the future".

"We will be looking forward to sharing more of Zayn's plans with his Middle East fans when we have such information and will now get the ticket refund process started!!", he said.

Malik quite One Direction in March 2015 after he was signed off for stress during the band's world tour.