Perrie Edwards says Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid's romance began with 'a bit of an overlap'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Singer Perrie Edwards reflected on the painful end of her engagement to singer Zayn Malik, revealing how difficult it was to watch him move on so quickly after their breakup during a candid appearance on the 'Great Company with Jamie Laing' podcast.

The Little Mix singer described the split as one of the most challenging periods of her life. Edwards opened up about the emotional toll it took on her confidence and self-worth, while also sharing how constant public reminders of Malik's new relationship made the healing process even harder.

Perrie Edwards recalls breakup with Zayn Malik and claims there was 'overlap'

Speaking about the end of her relationship with Malik, Edwards admitted that the breakup was particularly difficult because, “I was heartbroken and I wanted to be with him and then obviously he moved on so quickly. And it’s like, ‘Well, was all this genuine? Did you love me because how have you moved on so quickly?’”

Edwards continued, “And then I’d think, ‘What’s wrong with me? Why didn’t somebody else love me? Why am I on my own? Oh, because I’m not worthy of being loved.’”

She then spoke of believing there was “a bit of an overlap” between the end of their engagement and the beginning of his next relationship.

She further added, “I think that’s why it was hard because there was a bit of an overlap. And then that person is all over everything. So, you can’t escape it. I’d go to the shops and she’d be on the cover of every magazine. I’d go anywhere and it’d be there. It was difficult.”

The singer described the aftermath of the split as emotionally overwhelming, saying she struggled to cope with the heartbreak. “When people say, ‘Oh, heartbreak,’ it’s so real. The pain is crazy. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. It’s awful.”

The former couple began dating in 2011 after meeting through 'The X Factor'. They became engaged in 2013 before ending their relationship in August 2015, with Malik later beginning a relationship with fashion model Gigi Hadid that same year.

Perrie Edwards recalls seeing Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid in 'PILLOWTALK'

Edwards also reflected on the moment she learned about Malik's relationship with Hadid being featured publicly through his 2016 single 'PILLOWTALK' and its accompanying music video.

She said, “I remember being in the house, and my dad and my brother were there. I saw it and I cried my eyes out.”

Edwards also added, “My dad cried because I was upset. He said, ‘I just wish I could take your pain away.’”

Looking back on that period, Edwards described it as “hellish,” recalling how difficult it was to process the breakup while it unfolded in the public eye.

Despite the heartbreak, Edwards said the experience ultimately helped her recognize what a healthy relationship should look like. Now engaged to footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, she reflected on the lessons she learned from her past relationship.

She said, “I look back now and think, ‘Wow, what did I put up with?’ But at the time, when you’re in it, you don’t see it. You think that’s normal. You think that’s love.”

Edwards added that being in a different relationship has changed her perspective, helping her understand “what real love is supposed to feel like.”