Zayn Malik's decision to leave One Direction and go solo was meant to propel his career to the big leagues. 

But Malik is finding life in the spotlight quite a heady proposition, with the 23-year-old having cancelled his first big London gig due to anxiety issues. 

"I have suffered the worst anxiety of my career," the singer told his fans over Instagram a few hours after the concert had been cancelled. "I cannot apologise enough but I want to be honest with everyone who has patiently waited to see me, I promise I will do my best to make this up to everybody I’ve let down today."

Malik had been due to perform at the Capital Summertime Ball in the UK. 

The singer has been touring practically without pause since One Direction were created in 2010. But interviews have shown him to be shy and retiring, with no great urge to be the centre of attention.

Musician Ellie Goulding was among the first to sympathise with Malik, tweeting “Anxiety is real ... I know the feeling.”