One Direction's manager walks out post row with Zayn Malik

One Direction's manager Paul Higgins has reportedly left the boy band following a row with Zayn Malik.

Higgins, who had been with the group since they got together on X Factor in 2010, flew back in the middle of their promotion for the new album Four from the US, the Daily Star reported.

According to source, the manager, who was even referred to as "Daddy" as a joke by the boys, and the band had been having behind the scene problems for a while, and the singers' contribution to Bob Geldof's Band Aid 30 single, in addition to Malik's recent absence during their appearance on NBC's 'Today' show, was it for Higgins.

Higgins, who had previously worked with Westlife, Girls Aloud and Boyzone, is believed to be one of the most respected professionals in his field.