EXCLUSIVE: Zayn Malik’s mom reveals he’s staying single to focus on being the ‘best dad’: ‘He’s a handsome boy and a lot of women are interested in him’

Zayn Malik remains single to focus on his two-year-old daughter Khai while co-parenting the little girl with his ex-girlfriend Gigi Hadid.

The One Direction star’s mother, Trisha, shared an update with MailOnline on the singer’s relationship status following his 2021 divorce from the supermodel, 28.

Zayn, 30, was last linked to actress Selena Gomez, but their brief romance is said to have come to an end in July when she unfollowed him and other stars including his ex Gigi, Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa and Zendaya.

Before that, Zayn’s last public romance was with Gigi, who he first divorced in 2018 before they rekindled and welcomed their first child together, who turns three next month.

His other most high-profile relationship was with his former fiancée Perrie Edwards, to whom he was engaged for two years before “brutally” dumping her by text.

Co-parents: The One Direction star Trisha’s mother shared an update with MailOnline on the singer’s relationship status following his 2021 divorce from the supermodel, 28

Family: Zayn’s last public romance was with Gigi, whom he first divorced in 2018 before they rekindled and welcomed their first child together, who turns three next month

Trisha, 53, who said both Gigi and Perrie were “great girls,” has revealed that Zayn is putting his energy into co-parenting Khai and is not focused on dating.

She told MailOnline, “Zayn’s energy is focused on being a good father to Khai and his work, and that’s not going to change any time soon.

“He’s a great father, very caring and loving, and he spends a lot of time with his daughter. It is what gives him the most pleasure in life.

‘He’s a handsome boy and many women are interested in him, but none of that interests him at the moment. He’s not even in the dating game. It’s all about Khai and then about his work.’

Speaking outside the luxury home in Bradford that Zayn bought for Trisha and his dad Yasser after he rose to fame, she added, “Gigi and Zayn are co-parenting and it works really well. They are both wonderful people and parents.

“Gigi only came to Bradford to visit us once when she was with Zayn and the whole thing was kept very quiet.

“It felt a little strange to have a supermodel in the house, but she’s very down to earth. She’s a great girl, I still adore her and it’s a shame things didn’t work out for them, but that’s life.’

Trisha also revealed that she plans to fly to Los Angeles next month where Zayn lives to celebrate Khai’s third birthday.

Close bond: Zayn and his mother Trisha Malik attend the Asian Awards 2015 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London

Fling: Zayn, 30, was last linked to actress Selena Gomez, but their brief romance was said to have come to an end in July when she unfollowed him

Of their close relationship, she said, “I Facetime Khai at least two or three times a week and it’s great to be in a relationship with her, even though she’s so far away. Because of all the calls she recognizes me immediately.

“I’m really looking forward to going to Los Angeles to celebrate her birthday and it will be wonderful to spend some time with my son and granddaughter.

“I miss them both, but Zayn has his own life in the US now and is enjoying being a father and a single man.”

Trisha revealed that Zayn and Khai came to visit her 18 months ago after she underwent surgery involving the insertion of three stents.

She said, “I was pretty bad back then because I had heart problems. It’s a hereditary thing that runs through my family. But I’ve recovered well since I got the stents.

‘I love life, I love being a grandmother. I have two grandchildren in Bradford, another in Los Angeles and I’m always running for the family. A woman’s work is never done.’

Born in Bradford, Trisha used to work as a halal chef in the kitchen of a local primary school, but retired shortly after Zayn made millions with One Direction. He is estimated to be worth around £40 million.

Her parents ran a pub in town, but her life changed when she met Yasser, got married and converted to Islam.

She said, “Zayn is a wonderful son who has taken great care of us. We are a close family and don’t like to make a big fuss about his fame. I’m not interested in publicity and I don’t even do social media. I like the quiet life and so does Yasser.’

Baby Mama! Zayn started dating Gigi in November 2015, three months after he ended his engagement to Little Mix star Perrie

Trisha has played an important role in Zayn’s career, but has rarely spoken publicly about her famous son.

She famously persuaded him to go to the X Factor audition, where he was discovered after initially refusing to take part, telling him, “Just see what happens.”

When he decided to leave One Direction, he turned to her for advice.

Zayn started dating Gigi in November 2015, three months after he ended his engagement to Little Mix star Perrie.

The former 1D singer introduced herself to Gigi at a Victoria’s Secret party and asked her on a date when they first met.

The model then appeared in the video for his first single after leaving Simon Cowell’s boy band, the raunchy Pillowtalk, in January 2016.

Trisha said, “I’ve only met two of Zayn’s friends: Gigi and Perrie. Both have been great. I’m sure he’s had many more, but I don’t know about them.’

Trisha and Yasser also have three girls; Saffa, Walihya and Doniya.

In December 2020, Zayn and his father refused to attend Walihya’s wedding to Junaid Khan due to his criminal past.

MailOnline revealed shortly afterwards that he had previously served a five-year sentence at Doncaster’s Lindholme Prison for carjacking and controversially posted videos of him laughing and joking while behind bars.

Trisha said, “Junaid is a sweet boy and he and Walihya are both happily married. They live in Bradford and I see them regularly. He has a heart of gold, I will not hear a bad word about him and have nothing negative to say about him.

“We all made mistakes when we were young in the past, and none of that matters now.”