Pop stars Zayn Malik and Perrie Edwards head in just one direction when they want to party.

Pop’s most high-profile couple were in Weymouth again to welcome in the new year in style.

And Zayn found time to return to his favourite tattoo parlour to get a fresh design for the new year.

It was a strictly private affair as the door was locked to prevent anyone from getting inside – including Zayn’s fiancée and Little Mix star Perrie Edwards.

Paul O’Connor of Tattoo Magic in King Street, Weymouth, said the last time One Direction star Zayn turned up for an inking back in the summer, hordes of teenage girls who had heard about his visit turned up wanting to get in.

“We had to lock the door this time in case, but it meant that Perrie, who turned up later, couldn’t get in either so she had to meet up with him afterwards,” said Mr O’Connor.

The lovebirds spent the new year in the Weymouth area and have been spotted in town over the last few days – including at the Wyke Smugglers pub where they enjoyed a meal on Thursday evening.

Perrie, whose band shot to fame after winning The X Factor in 2011, lived in Weymouth as a youngster and still has family in the area.

The Dorset Echo exclusively broke the story in the summer of the couple’s engagement.

Mr O’Connor said Zayn paid £100 for a tattoo to add to existing bodywork on his arm. The new addition, running around his elbow, is an eye crying tears which turns into smoke and clouds.

Mr O’Connor said: “He was here for about an hour with Perrie’s brother.

“He was relaxed and talkative – but I couldn’t get a wedding date out of him.

“It’s great that he came back to have another tattoo done. “He said he’d had lots of compliments about his last one.

“He’s had tattoos done at other places, and mentioned a place in New York, but he said he’d be back here.

“He said it was nice to have a break and that he loves Weymouth.”

Landlord of the Wyke Smugglers Rhos Thompson said customers were ‘gobsmacked’ when Zayn and Perrie dropped in. They were with a large group, believed to be family members.

Mr Thompson said: “Zayn and Perrie were lovely. They stayed for quite a while and had a meal.

“They seemed really happy together. With their schedules I don’t suppose they get time to see each other that much so they were making the most of it, having a good time with their family and friends.”