A HOLOGRAPHIC version of Stephen Hawking has reassured upset One Direction fans by offering them hope that Zayn Malik may still be a member of the band – in a parallel universe.

A virtual version of the world famous physicist and cosmologist was streamed to the Sydney Opera House from Cambridge University for a special event.

During the talk about his life and studies, he was asked about the “cosmological effect” of Bradford-born Zayn leaving One Direction by one audience member.

Professor Hawking referred to theoretical physics and said if proof of multiple universes was ever discovered, it could reveal an alternate reality where the singer never left the hugely popular band.

Zayn, who grew up in East Bowling, left the chart-topping band last month five years.

His fans have marked the one-month anniversary of his departure on social media using the hashtag #WhereIWasWhenZaynQuit to discuss their misery.

One fan said she was in her room, where she remained for three days.

Another said she was crying on a bus and one was cooking tea, which she could not eat because she was so upset.