Little Mix put on an emotional performance for The Graham Norton Show mere moments after announcing their split on social media on Thursday, in news that left fans brokenhearted.
Recording for the show commences at around 6.15pm and the group released a statement announcing their split at 6:07pm, making their tearful last performance even more poignant.
In new images, the three-piece – comprising Jade Thirlwall, 28, Perrie Edwards, 28, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 30 – could be seen comforting and hugging each other on stage.
The group revealed the news in a series of heartfelt tweets on their joint Twitter account, explaining: ‘We feel the time is right to take a break so we can recharge and work on some other projects.’
Emotional: Little Mix put on an emotional performance for The Graham Norton show mere moments after announcing their split on social media on Thursday
All three women cut typically glamorous figures, with Perrie and Jade slipping into feather-trimmed looks and Leigh-Anne stunning in a chic crop top and skirt combo.
Although filmed on Thursday, the latest instalment of The Graham Norton show doesn’t air on BBC until Friday. Little Mix are the musical guests, while A-listers Tom Holland, Zendaya and Henry Cavill will join Graham for a chat.
Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Little Mix revealed the news in a series of heartfelt tweets, explaining: ‘We feel the time is right to take a break so we can recharge and work on some other projects.’
They wrote in full: ‘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. It’s been 10 amazing years, a wonderful non-stop adventure…
Recording: Recording for the show commences at around 6.15pm and the group released a statement announcing their split at 6:07pm, making their performance even more poignant
Stylish: All three women cut typically glamorous figures, with Perrie and Jade slipping into feather-trimmed looks and Leigh-Anne stunning in a chic crop top and skirt combo
Heartfelt: Accompanied by violinists, it seems Little Mix performed an emotional and poignant song for the show
Chat: Little Mix also sat down for a chat with Graham, with scenes set to air on BBC on Friday
‘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.’
Little Mix went on: ‘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.’
Announcement: Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Little Mix revealed the news in a series of heartfelt tweets
Instagram: The group also shared the statement on Instagram, writing: ‘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’
Last month Little Mix continued to defy the split rumours surrounding them. The group appeared on Capital Breakfast to discuss their greatest hits album and to vow to keep going for years ‘like The Rolling Stones’.
The chat came after Jesy Nelson left the group last December, citing a decline in her mental health.
After the news came to light, devastated fans have expressed their sadness at the band’s decision to split.
One wrote: ‘STOP IM CRYING,’ while another dramatically commented: ‘Crying and Sliding down a wall right now. I love you ladies so much you warm my hearts!’
A third reacted saying: ‘I am crying! Little mix will always be forever’ before another added: ‘So sad. I hope is not a 1D type of break.’
Many other expressed the same fear that the band would never reunite, like One Direction did after splitting in 2016 to pursue solo careers.
One said: ‘*Traumatic 1D flashbacks*’ as another wrote under the announcement: ‘i hope this isn’t a ‘one direction’ break lmao’. Someone else who was upset by the decision wrote: ‘I’m crying but I’m happy for yous at the same time, sisters forever.’
Another fan said: ‘NOOOOOO i’ve heard that one before, don’t leave us. thank you for everything thing, i love you girls ❤️.’ Someone else fumed: ‘DONT LEAVE US LIKE ONE DIRECTION LEFT ME.’
Reaction: Lovers of the band – who formed on X Factor in 2011 – reacted in their droves and told how their ‘hearts were broken’, while others ‘couldn’t stop crying’
Sad: One wrote: ‘STOP IM CRYING’ while another dramatically commented: ‘Crying and Sliding down a wall right now. I love you ladies so much you warm my hearts!
A year on: It comes nearly a year after Jesy Nelson left the group last December, citing a decline in her mental health