Little Mix sizzle at Capital FM Summertime Ball as Zayn Malik pulls out

Little Mix opened the show at the Capital FM Summertime Ball.

Former One Direction star Zayn Malik, who spilt up with the South Shields singer last August, pulled out of his scheduled performance at yesterday's event, citing "anxiety" for his absence.

The news that Malik would not be performing was greeted with loud boos from disappointed fans at Wembley Stadium.

He posted an apology and full explanation in a message on his official Instagram account.

It said: "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."

The 23-year-old added: "I promise I will do my best to make this up to everybody I've let down today."

Little Mix's Perrie Edwards performing at the Capital FM Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium.

Thousands of pop fans still enjoyed performances by 19 other artists, including Little Mix, Tinie Tempah, Jess Glynne, Ariande Grande, Craig David, The Vamps and Flo Rida.

Perrie, fellow South Shields singer Jade Thirlwall, and bandmates Leigh Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson opened the one-day festival, and went down a storm with their energetic dance routines, jaw-dropping outfits and flawless vocals.