Last week we heard the sad news that unusual couple, One Direction‘s Zayn Malik and Rebecca Ferguson spli, originally giving the excuse ‘they had just drifted apart’.

Turns out there is a darker reason the X Factor couple went there separate ways…

Despite the 7 year age gap Rebecca, 25, and teen boyband member Zyan, 18, romance appeared to be going from strength to strength but there budding partnership came to an abrupt halt due to abusive fans.

It has been reported that the truth behind the split was a result of Zayn’s feisty fans warning Rebecca off.

Apparently the mum-of-two Rebecca was struggling to cope with nasty comments and verbal abuse from One Directio fans.

Harsh criticism and insults that were fired at Rebecca left right and center, fueled by the pairs dramatic age gap.

A source close to the X Factor runner up said: “Rebecca’s is gutted. Saying she was fine was a complete bluff – she’s heartbroken.

“Zayn’s upset, too – he was under pressure to be single for when his band star to release music.

“In the end, they just realised it would be better if they were both unattached.”

Despite nursing a broken heart, Rebecca managed to put on a brave face last week, heading to celebrity hot spot Mosquito Bar in Liverpool to celebrate her birthday.

A spokesman of the couple stated: “It’s very sad but it just wasn’t working.”

Lets hope they both find love again very soon!