All About One Direction

Zouis 2016

They famously entered a feud after the pop star left One Direction.

But new reports state that Zayn Malik has put his differences with Louis Tomlinson aside, in order to support him after the tragic passing of his mother Johannah Deakin on Friday.

Having sent a compassionate Tweet to his former bandmate, 24, Zayn has since contacted Louis privately to help him through his grief, according to .

  An inside source close to the star told the paper: 'Zayn has been in touch with Louis privately, and will continue to offer his support that way.'

The showing of support comes after Zayn did not appear at the X Factor on Saturday to watch Louis perform his new single Just Hold On, despite the tragic news.

The Pillowtalk hitmaker remained in New York for work commitments, having appeared at the Billboard Women in Music Awards the night Johannah's untimely passing was announced.

Meanwhile sources revealed to MailOnline that bandmates Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Niall Horan had headed to the Wembley Arena to stand by Louis as he took to the stage for the performance - which he conducted in tribute to his mother.

Performing the new track with Steve Aoki, the star clearly fought back tears onstage, before thanking his fans on Twitter for their outpouring of support.

He wrote: 'Feeling so much love around me and my family. Mum would have been so f**ing proud ( sorry for swearing mum ) love you !...

'That was harder than I ever imagined. I want to thank everyone around me and all of the amazing fans out there that made that so special!'

Judge Simon Cowell also made a touching tribute to the singer on the show, stating: 'Louis, I have to say I've known you for six years. The bravery of what you've done. I respect you as an artist, as a person and your mum was so proud of you and she was so excited for the performance. She's looking down on you tonight.'

While Zayn - who famously fell out with Louis following his departure from the group - remained absent at the appearance, he had already taken to Twitter on Friday to pen his support.

He wrote: '@Louis_Tomlinson love you bro! All of your family is in my prayers. proud of your strength and know your mum is too x'