By Michael Idato
Crime procedurals and pop bands may seem like unlikely bedfellows.
But Hollywood has produced stranger partnerships than One Direction's Zayn Malik and veteran Law & Order producer Dick Wolf.
The pair are working on a new television show, inspired by Malik's experience in the British boyband One Direction.
According to reports, the project is destined for the US network NBC. The series, which has the working title Boys, explores the formation of a boy band and the impact that global fame has on its members.
Zayn Malik Credit: Getty Images
Malik, along Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, and Louis Tomlinson, formed One Direction while on the British reality television program The X Factor.
Malik initially auditioned as a solo performer, but was brought back into the competition when he was added to the group.
In 2015, while the group was touring, Malik quit the band saying he wanted to live as a "normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight".
The announcement of Malik's deal with Dick Wolf's production company comes as the singer, now 23, cancelled an upcoming concert in Dubai, citing "extreme anxiety." Malik was due to perform on October 7.
Harry Styles (middle) with One Direction on stage in Australia in 2012. Credit: Scott Barbour
"I have been working over the last three months to overcome my extreme anxiety around major live solo performances," Malik said in a statement.
"I feel I am making progress but I have today acknowledged that I do not feel sufficiently confident to move forward with the planned show."