Little Mix to take a break from next year but 'are not splitting up'

Little Mix have announced they will take a break from the band next year, following the end of their Confetti tour.

Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards wrote on Instagram it was time to "recharge" and "work on some other projects" after 10 years together.

The trio stressed, however, "we are not splitting up - Little Mix are here to stay".

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This time last year fourth band member Jesy Nelson left the group, saying “recently being in the band has really taken a toll on my mental health”.

The 29-year-old said she had had “the most incredible time of of my life” as a part of Little Mix. She's since launched a solo career but says there is "no bad blood" from her side.

Earlier this year Pinnock and Edwards gave birth within days of each other.

Pinnock, 29, welcomed twins with her footballer fiancé Andre Gray while Edwards had a son with her partner footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Announcing their break, the remaining three wrote on Twitter: "We wanted to let you all know that after the Confetti tour in April/May next year we are going to be taking a break from Little Mix," their Instagram post read.

"It’s been 10 amazing years, a wonderful non-stop adventure, and we feel the time is right to take a break so we can recharge and work on some other projects.

"We can’t thank you enough for your love and never-ending support since the beginning. We love you all SO much.

"We are not splitting up – Little Mix are here to stay. We have plans for more music, tours and performances in the future. We’ve made so many incredible memories with you all, and we can’t wait to make so many more.

"We’re sisters and we’ll always have each other and you, the fans, in our lives. Little Mix is forever. See you on tour! Jade, Leigh-Anne and Perrie x"