It's a sad time for One Direction fans as it has been confirmed that member Zayn Malik has quit the group for good, and the news has rocked Twitterverse, with what the International Business Times reported as a string of hashtags in reaction to Zayn's departure from the band. Some of the hashtags that have started trending included #AlwaysInOurHeartsZaynMalik, #ZaynWillAlwaysBeAPartOf1D and #ReplaceZayn.

In a statement made by Zayn as posted on BBC, he said, "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."

Despite having a very large fan base, it seems that 1D fans are already moving on from Zayn and thinking of replacements, at some point even suggesting Justin Bieber to be part of the group.

Other less famous artists were also suggested, including Scott Hoying of Pentatonix, and even Matty B, who may be a little too young to be part of the group at 12. And then there are the internet comedians who suggested funnier suggestions, including Hannibal Burress, Steve Buscemi, and Benedict Cumberbatch, who, for the most part, were not known to sing.

Mirror UK also noted that there are many Twitter fans that are suggesting the recently fired Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson replace Zayn, but considering that the boys of 1D are in their early 20s, Clarkson will be a long shot.

There are also a lot of odds of the group finding a new member soon, but considering that there have been reports of the band splitting up soon anyway, the website notes that there's a 4:1 possibility that the boys will just split up and concentrate on their solo careers by 2016.

For now, however, the group will remain as a four-piece band and will go on with the rest of their tour without their fifth member. In a statement made by the rest of the group via their Facebook page, they said, "We're really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future.The past five years have been beyond amazing - we've gone through so much together, so we will always be friends.

"The four of us will now continue. We're looking forward to recording the new album and seeing all the fans on the next stage of the world tour."

With one less member, and a possible opening to replace Zayn, who do you want to be part of the group?