Little Mix slam Simon Cowell’s lack of ‘after care’ after X Factor

Little Mix have shared the lessons they wish former mentor Simon Cowell had helped them with – be kind, don’t get ahead of yourself and don’t be “an arse”.

As they launch their new find-a-band series on BBC1, the girls couldn’t resist having another jibe at ex-pop guru Cowell, who helped them find fame on X Factor nearly a decade ago.

Jade Thirlwall said: “The after care is essential – that’s the difference between wanting to get on the stage again. Whether they get through or not, our team call them up for a while to see how they’re doing. We’ll support everyone because we’ve been through a similar experience and probably could have benefited from a bit more support along the way.”

Perrie Edwards said the best advice she would give the winners is to behave well – and look after the little people.

“Be grateful to the people around you who are working really hard to try and make things happen and be genuine. Don’t take for granted the people you don’t think about all the time – don’t forget the small people.

“It’s about staying grounded and being a good person. Everyone you meet will remember that first impression. And if you act like a little arse, people will never forget that.I t’s important to be professional – obviously when you’re young, you get carried away don’t you? So they’ve just got to remember to treat people with kindness and be nice.”

Jesy Nelson agreed: “Don’t get too ahead of yourself, stay focused, work hard – and try and stay friends! Just try to enjoy it and have fun, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Leigh-Anne Pinnock said that another tip was not to allow one member to become the “leader”.

“Bands do not work if there is one big ego,” she said.

“If one person is trying to come to the forefront and take the lead too much it’s not going to work because you have to work together and you have to understand that everyone is there for a reason, everyone has their strengths and brings something unique.

“That’s what’s so special about us – we’ve always allowed each other to shine and worked together and there’s never been a big ego. It just wouldn’t work.”

Little Mix The Search, which kicks off on Saturday, sees the girls acting as mentors as they try to put together a new band.

They have said that unlike X Factor, which has been dropped by ITV, it will feel “current and fresh”.