Little Mix – composed of Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson – insist they treat each other like sisters as opposed to merely best friends.

Leigh-Anne wrote about her experience with the group on Twitter, adding: “A force to be reckoned with… for 5 years my girls and I have stuck together, been there for each other and grown into not only best friends but sisters.. that will always have each other’s backs!

We’ve been through break ups, we’ve been at our lowest but we have always helped each other and come out stronger on the other end! Call me the luckiest girl alive, because this is a dream I am living, but I get to live it with 3 of the most talented, special individuals alive. Now let’s smash the s**t out of this #shoutoutomyex.”

And the girls admitted to be fully enjoying their time and fame, hoping to be around for at least nine more years. And if this is the case, similarly to the way Girls Aloud did, Leigh-Anne also shared: “Oh of course. I honestly cannot see myself without these girls, sorry about it you’re stuck with me!”

Jade backed her up by telling Bang Showbiz: “I don’t think anyone’s going to see that [them taking a hiatus] happening right now; we’re at our peak I think. We have too much fun together it would be horrible.”

The group had recently shared some music news to their fans, adding: “Yes we are working on the next album! Some very exciting stuff to come, it’s quite a new sound for us. It’s a secret. But we’re very happy.”