Zayn Malik is missing the Teen Choice Awards to avoid an awkward encounter with Perrie Edwards.

The former One Direction heartthrob won't attend tonight's (16.08.15) awards show -- where he is nominated for Choice Male Hottie -- as he doesn't want to bump into his former fiancee and her Little Mix bandmates.

A source told HollywoodLife.com: ''Zayn is in LA and easily could have attended the awards, but he didn't want to deal with all the drama.

''Not only Perrie, but being nominated against 1D for Choice Male Hottie makes him uncomfortable, too. He is going to steer clear of the whole scene.''

Little Mix are up for Choice Female Music Group at the bash in Los Angeles and are expected to attend.

Earlier today, Zayn took a shot at the 'Black Magic' hitmakers on Twitter, revealing he prefers Fifth Harmony's 'Worth It' to their recent song.

The apparent sleight towards Little Mix caused a stir among the newly single star's fans.

One person was amused by Zayn's behaviour, writing: ''I'm laughing.''

Another wrote: ''This is the best thing that's happened all day.''

Zayn fan Aria added: ''IM LAUGHING MY A** OFF ZAYN YOU HAVE 0% CHILL MY SON (sic)''