Little Mix to create new bands for BBC TV talent show

Little Mix are launching a new TV talent show in which they will create and mentor new bands.

The group - who won the X Factor in 2011 - will look for singers who will be put together to form a band.

Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirwall all auditioned for the X Factor as solo singers before being put together to become Little Mix.

The winning band will have the chance to join them on their summer 2020 tour.

Little Mix said: "We want to create lots of incredible groups who really gel.

"As we have been there and done it ourselves, we know what it takes to make a group successful, and will be there to mentor them every step of the way.

"We want solo artists to audition as well as groups and every type of genre is welcome too."

Little Mix performed at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Middlesbrough in May this year

The Black Magic singers will coach the contestants to become members of either an all-female, all-male or mixed band as part of the show.

They will have access to the group's music contacts - such as the voice coaches, song writers, producers and stylists who have helped Little Mix make it big.

Charlotte Moore, director of BBC Content, said: "One of Britain's most popular all-female bands Little Mix will bring their magic to BBC One on Saturday nights in 2020 in a brand new show set to inspire the next generation of young artists."

'Work ethic paid off'

Analysis by Steve Holden, Newsbeat entertainment reporter

Little Mix were mentored by former N-Dubz star Tulisa on the X Factor

Little Mix split from Simon Cowell's record label Syco last year, just before the release of their fifth album LM5.

At the time, their former boss told the Sun he'd never fallen out with the band and they were the "hardest working bunch of girls I've ever worked with".

That work ethic has paid off through their career longevity and consistent chart performance, and this new talent show seems like a natural progression.

The longer they've been together, the more Leigh-Anne, Perrie, Jesy and Jade have shown their fans their individual personalities - and personality is key to being a successful TV judge.

The Little Mix brand is powerful and current, and they'll hope to put a fresh spin on the talent show format... and avoid the inevitable X-Factor comparisons.

However, if the prize for the winning group is a chance to tour with Little Mix next summer, then the show is likely to debut early next year - which avoids any direct clash with the show that shaped them.

Little Mix have had four UK number one songs during their eight-year career which has seen them become huge celebrities.

But it's not been easy for the group.

Jesy recently revealed how she tried to kill herself after becoming the victim of online trolls who made nasty comments about her appearance.

Perrie has also spoken about experiencing anxiety and panic attacks and received professional help to deal with her mental health.

Little Mix The Search will air on the BBC next year.

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