Zayn Malik may have left One Direction last week, but Niall Horan has confirmed that it’s business as usual for the rest of the lads who are working on their new album.

In a statement released by the group after Zayn’s exit, they said “we’re looking forward to recording the new album”, and now Niall has tweeted that it is full steam ahead for the new record.

He tweeted: “Had a sit down last night with the label, started organising our writing sessions for the next album! F*** yeaaaahhhh! Can’t wait!”

One Direction
One Direction as they were before Zayn Malik left (Ian West/PA)

The new album will be the follow up to 2014′s Four. They have released an album a year since their debut in 2011 with Up All Night.

Meanwhile, Zayn has been seen hanging out with his producer friend Naughty Boy, who he is working with on new music, and heading into a recording studio.

Naughty Boy had previously stuck up for Zayn on Twitter:

But after getting a barrage of abusive replies from One Direction fans, he tweeted:

The producer has worked with Sam Smith and Emeli Sande in the past, and earlier this year said he had been impressed by Zayn’s musical talent after the two of them had worked together while he was still part of One Direction.

Zayn Malik
Zayn Malik has left the group (Danny Lawson/PA)

A source told Now magazine of Zayn’s new music: “Zayn has a clear vision for the music he wants to create, and the direction he wants to take his career in.

“He’s been writing for a while now during his downtime on tour and has already recorded two tracks this week alone.

“The music he’s making is completely different to anything One Direction have ever done before, it’s very slowed down RnB and quite sexual. It’s going to blow fans’ minds.”