Perrie Edwards says love with Zayn Malik was not what it seemed

Perrie Edwards has opened up about her relationship history and revealed how her early romance with Zayn Malik felt far from the fairytale it once appeared. The Little Mix star, who is now engaged to footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, described her first love as a toxic experience that she has long since left behind.

In a new interview, Edwards explained that being young and in love did not mean being happy, and she admitted that her bond with Malik was far more damaging than many fans realised at the time. Their engagement made headlines around the world before their sudden split, and Edwards has since suggested that what was presented publicly was very different to the reality behind closed doors.

Comparing that chapter to her current life, she credited Oxlade-Chamberlain with showing her what genuine love and stability look like. She said she now feels secure in a way she never did during her earlier relationship, describing her present-day romance as healthy, trusting and supportive. The contrast, she noted, has given her perspective on how much she endured in her younger years.

The comments sparked renewed discussion online, with fans revisiting the high-profile split and the difficult years that followed. Some applauded her honesty for shedding light on the realities of a toxic relationship, while others expressed support for her growth and resilience. On social media, many remarked how far she has come since her Little Mix days, with messages celebrating her strength and her happiness with her fiancé.

For Edwards, the candid reflection is less about looking back in anger and more about acknowledging her own journey. She told fans that her past no longer defines her, and that she is grateful to have found the kind of love she once doubted even existed.