UPSETTING though it is to hear about distraught fans of Zayne Malik self-harming after he left pop group One Direction it will blow over.

Zayn’s surprise departure has understandably upset fans all over the world. He is reported to want to be “a normal 22 year-old” and perhaps time away from the headlines and cameras will help him. However, he’ll probably re-appear soon as a solo performer to appease his fans.

Followers of popular idols have always prompted extreme feelings. When silent movie star Rudolph Valentino died at the age of 31 in 1926 there was mass hysteria. Little changes.