LITTLE Mix’s Jade Thirlwall insisted the group is a family as the girls rally around their absent bandmate Jesy Nelson.
The group is currently operating as a three-piece as Jesy takes an extended break due to a private medical issue.
But Jade, 27, said the girls are all still getting along and will always be there for each other.
She told the Mirror: “We said from the get-go we’d remain equal, even when other people might tell us otherwise. That’s one of the reasons we’ve lasted.
“People aren’t stupid, they can tell when you’re on stage if you aren’t getting along.
“Maybe that’s why people have warmed to us for nearly 10 years. We’re family now.”
Meanwhile Jade shared Little Mix’s first snap as a trio last night.
The singer took to Instagram to post a picture of the girls backstage before their appearance on the Jonathon Ross Show.
All three of the girls made sure to show off their amazing matching outfits ahead of their performance on the BBC chat show.
Jade looked stunning as ever in a black bralette, long sleeved mesh crop top and some high-waisted baggy pants.
Bandmate Perrie Edwards, 27, rocked a black bodysuit, a leather pleated a-line skirt and some Doc Martin boots.
Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 29, spiced things up a bit with a leather body suit, matching trousers and some Nike trainers.
But fans couldn’t help but notice something was missing.
One wrote: “Missing jesy ????.”
Another said: “We miss Jesy, send her lots of love ❤️.”
A third commented: “Send jesy our love 🙁 we miss her so much <3."
Two weeks ago Jesy pulled out of The Search final and also didn’t attend the MTV EMAs due to an illness.
At the time a spokesman for the band said: “Jesy is unwell and will not be appearing on tonight’s final of Little Mix The Search.
“She will also not be hosting or performing at tomorrow’s MTV EMAs.”
Fans have been left distraught by the news and to show their love, they have been sharing moments where Jesy has helped them in their hours of need.
Some have even voiced their fears that history is repeating itself as Jesy’s absence ‘mirrors’ Zayn’s exit from One Direction.