Zayn Malik taken ill on stage

Singer Zayn Malik was forced to leave the stage during One Direction's gig here, just three songs in after he began to feel unwell.

The 22-year-old exited just three songs into the performance here Friday night with bandmate Niall Horan later informing the crowd he was too sick to return, reports dailymail.co.uk.

A spokesperson for the group, which also includes Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne, said: "Zayn was taken ill during the show but it's nothing serious.

"He wasn't feeling that great beforehand but he tried to get through the performance... Everyone is hoping he'll be well enough for their next gig."

It isn't the first time Malik has pulled out of his One Direction duties in recent months.

The star was also missing during the band's appearance on "The Today Show" last November, and was forced to defend himself over false drug use claims made by host Matt Lauer following his no-show.