One Direction release Drag Me Down just one day after Zayn Malik slammed them

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First single since Zayn quit the band in March
Former member took a swipe at 1D when he signed new solo deal with RCA Records earlier this week
Zayn said he left One Direction to 'make real music'
Comes after it was revealed Louis Tomlinson is to become a father

By Rebecca Davison and Emily Hewett For Mailonline

Published: 03:15 EST, 31 July 2015 | Updated: 09:34 EST, 31 July 2015

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One Direction surprised fans with the unexpected release of their brand new single Drag Me Down early on Friday morning.

Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson's new track dropped on iTunes and Spotify worldwide at 6.30am before it premiered on the radio shortly afterwards.

It's the boys' first single without former member Zayn Malik, who took a swipe at the chart-topping boyband when he announced he had signed a solo record deal on Wednesday.

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Good news! One Direction surprised fans with the unexpected release of their brand new single Drag Me Down early Friday morning

Announcing their news on Twitter, Liam, 21, wrote: 'Bit of a surprise! Check out our new single! It's called Drag Me Down & I hope you love it as much as we do.'

Niall, also 21, tweeted afterwards: 'Finally we get to say this ! have waited a long time but our new single Drag Me Down is out !!!'

One Direction's official Twitter account then posted a video of the foursome introducing their new song, with Liam saying they had been working 'very very very hard' on their forthcoming album since Zayn sensationally quit the band in March.

The single - which is available to buy now - is the first track from their fifth studio album, which is set for release in November.

Gotcha! Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson's new track dropped on iTunes and Spotify worldwide at 6.30am before it premiered on the radio shortly afterwards

Still going strong: It's the boys' first single without Zayn Malik, who announced that he had signed a record deal of his own on Wednesday

Proud: One Direction's official Twitter account posted a video of the foursome introducing their new song, with Liam saying they had been working 'very very very hard' on their forthcoming album

One Direction fans are already 'obsessed' with the band's new, more mature sound and took to Twitter to share their delight.

One fan tweeted this morning: 'The lyrics to #DragMeDown are already a permanent part of me like it’s been an hour and i feel like i’ve known it my whole life (sic).'

'I LOVE THIS SONG OMG ITS PERFECT,' added another (sic).'

'THE SONG IS SICKKKKK, omggggg (sic),' said another.

Great response: Fans clearly haven't been put off by Zayn's departure

Still got it! The foursome have delighted fans with their latest offering

Devoted: Directioners have been playing the new record on repeat

New direction? The single - which is available to buy now - is the first track from their fifth studio album, which is set for release in November

Party time! Fans united on Twitter to celebrate on Friday morning

The group's surprise release comes the day after Zayn Malik revealed he had signed a new deal with record company RCA Records.

The 22-year-old singer posted a happy looking photograph of him signing the deal and used the announcement to slam his former band, saying that he was happy to be doing his own thing from now on.

He wrote: 'I guess I never explained why I left, it was for this moment to be given the opportunity to show you who i really am! #realmusic #RCA !! ... #REALME (sic).'

Awkward! Zayn signed a new deal with record company RCA Records on Wednesday, but used the announcement to slam his former band, One Direction, saying he was looking forward to making 'real music'

MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Zayn Malik and One Direction for comment.

It was recently revealed Zayn had been dropped from Simon Cowell's Syco record label, which he was under throughout his time in One Direction - he left the band in March.

Simon wished Zayn Well after the signing and said on Twitter: 'We have been working on this for a while and I am pleased to say congratulations to @Zaynmalik on signing with @RCARecords.

Oh dear: The singer was not backwards in coming forwards as he slammed One Direction

'I believe they are the perfect label for @ZaynMalik’s solo career and I am sure whatever they release together will be special.'

A source recently told The Sun: 'It's a big move for Simon because Zayn could have a very successful solo career but his priority absolutely remains the band and this is a big statement on his part.

'Simon has set up a deal that suits Zayn and One Direction. Zayn will stay in the Sony family under a different label and it's totally with Simon Cowell's blessing.

Showing his support: Simon Cowell has wished Zayn Malik well after he signed to RCA Records on Wednesday, saying: 'I am sure whatever they release together will be special'

All good: The media mogul is more than happy that Zayn has flown the One Direction nest

'It was just felt to be a bit difficult to have 1D and Zayn on the same label - and everyone felt it was better for him to be somewhere different.

'Since leaving the band, Zayn has changed management and lawyers so it would kind of make sense for him to work with a new label team.'

Zayn spent Thursday night celebrating with his friends on a night out in Hollywood.

It's been a rocky six months for the world's biggest boy band, but despite their differences, bandmates old and new came together to mark One Direction's fifth anniversary last week.

Time to celebrate! Zayn enjoyed a night out in Hollywood after announcing that he had signed a solo record deal with RCA Records

Making amends: Zayn recently responded to a Tweet by Liam Payne thanking his bandmates old and new for the memories on One Direction's fifth anniversary but will his latest words cause tension?

Blond Zayn Malik causes chaos at Paris Valentino show

Liam Payne was first to take to Twitter to pay tribute to the group five years after they were put together on The X Factor.

He wrote: 'Wowwwww 5 years 5 boys what an amazing journey I couldn't thank you all ever enough and thank you Louis Niall Harry and zayn for everything.

'Thanks for all the memories boys I love you all.'

Still pals: While Niall and Harry were also quick to celebrate the milestone on social media, it was only Liam who got a response from Zayn

While Niall and Harry were also quick to celebrate the milestone on social media, it was only Liam who got a response from a blast from the past - Zayn.

The Bradford-born singer replied: 'Thanks bro,' followed by a smiley face and a kiss.

Zayn walked away from the band after insisting he wanted to be a 'normal 22-year-old', only to baffle fans by starting work on solo material.

He said at the time: 'My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band.

'I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart.

'I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight.

'I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world.'

Meanwhile, he has been involved in a Twitter spat with Louis Tomlinson, who has also brought a scandal to the band's door after it emerged he is reportedly expecting a child with stylist Briana Jungwirth after a brief fling.

While Louis continued his Twitter sabbatical since the news broke, Harry and Niall reached out to their fans to thank them for their support.

Quit: Zayn walked away from the band after insisting he wanted to be a 'normal 22-year-old', only to baffle fans by starting work on solo material

Time flies: The boyband were formed on the 2010 series of The X Factor by Simon Cowell

Harry wrote: 'We have been a band for five years. And it is impossible to thank anyone enough for all the support they have given us over this time.

'All the crew that we have been so lucky to work with, and everyone who is behind the scenes. We thank you for everything that you do.

'To you who support us, in any way, thank you. We wouldn't be here without you. You did this and we thank you for having us. All the love.'

One Direction address Zayn Malik's departure with James Corden

Support: Harry and Niall also tweeted fans to thank them for making them the biggest boy band in the world over the last five years

Niall added: '5 years , literally sittin [sic] down talking about last night. Insane! I remember the day we were out together like it was yesterday!

'Thank you so much for what you've done for us so far, what an incredible journey it's been , wish we could thank you all.

'Thanks to the boys too, we've seen and done some incredible things together, love you all!'

Scandal: Louis remained quiet on social media as he continue to deal with the speculation surrounding reports he is expecting his first child with stylist Briana Jungwirth after a brief fling

'It's not real!': Louis Tomlinson throws baby doll off stage