Little Mix: We don't need to be sexy

Little Mix have never tried to be overly sexy.

The British girl group, made up of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, have been a chart favourite since they were formed on the UK version of The X Factor in 2011.

The band's image is nowhere near as racy as their pop rivals, something the girls made a conscious decision about early on.

"When we first got together I think we realised that there wasn't anyone that was representing girls in a positive way without being overly sexual. I think we've filled that gap now," Jade told Hunger magazine.

"At first we were worried about getting girls on our side, but thankfully they came flooding in. I think young girls needed an ally in music."

When the four singers auditioned for the TV talent show they came to the show as soloists. However much like the winning formula of One Direction the year before, they were grouped together.

None of them have forgotten their TV roots, and Jesy explains that once the cameras stop rolling you have to put in the hard work to succeed.

"That's where a lot of artists that come off The X Factor fall down, they're there and then they're gone in a flash. We had to work so hard and I don't think people realise that – it was never easy – but we kept that mentality up and that's why I think we've been successful. Anyone that says it's not credible, I'd like to see them give it a go!" she said.

"That's what annoys me about people slagging off The X Factor – it can give you a platform to go from sweeping the streets or working in Tescos [British supermarket] to being able to change your life, and why dis that?"