Simon Cowell has reacted to the news that former One Direction member Zayn Malik is moving into television with his own boyband-inspired drama. The music mogul said Zayn ‘should have come to him with the idea’ first, instead of collaborating with Hollywood producer Dick Wolf.

Simon CowellSimon Cowell thinks Zayn should be working with him on his boyband-inspired TV show

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Cowell said: "Nothing surprises me anymore. I think he should have come to me with it, if I'm being honest with you.” Back in 2010 Cowell formed One Direction on ‘The X Factor’ and he managed the band’s career until their hiatus earlier this year.

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"I do actually believe that when they've got these ideas, bearing in mind where we started, they should actually come to me,” Cowell added. Zayn will serve as an executive producer on the drama for NBC, working with prolific TV producer Dick Wolf.

Titled ‘Boys’ it will center on the formation of a boyband, taking in the ups and downs and giving an inside look at the pressure that comes with the group’s success. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about the project, Zayn said: “Dick Wolf is a legend and the opportunity to work with him and NBC to create a compelling drama series is awesome.”

NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke added: “It’s exciting to be diving into this project with such passionate and prolific producers. Zayn certainly brings an authentic point of view to this world where kids are catapulted into fame at a dizzying speed.”

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“On top of our excitement around the creative ideas being discussed, we have a lot of respect for the musical and digital ambitions behind the project.” The project is Zayn’s first foray into television. Since leaving One Direction last year the 23-year-old has embarked on a solo career, releasing album Mind of Mine in March.