'We're so exhausted that we broke down backstage': Little Mix reveal they are struggling to cope with X Factor pressure as they go glam for sleek new shoot

By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 9:59 AM on 30th November 2011

They have made X Factor history by becoming the first girlband in the history of the show to reach the semi-finals.

But it seems the pressure might be getting slightly too much for Little Mix, who have revealed they are struggling to cope in the spotlight.

The girls told Look magazine they have been working so hard to continue in the competition that it has left them feeling more than a little tired.

Glamour girls: Little Mix, who look sleek in a new shoot for Look magazine, have revealed they have been struggling to cope with the pressure of being on The X Factor

Asked how they cope with the pressure of being on the show, Jade Thirlwall, 18, said: 'Recently we were so exhausted that we broke down backstage.'

And Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 19, added: 'It does get overwhelming. I once rang my mum and just started crying.'

The quartet made the admissions as they got glamorous new makeovers for the sleek photoshoot in Look magazine.

Going all the way: Jesy and Jade pose up together for the shoot. Jesy said appearing on the show has made her more confident about her figure

Going all the way: Jesy Nelson (left) and Jade Thirlwall pose up together for the shoot. Jesy said appearing on the show has made her more confident about her figure

Reclining: Perrie and Leigh-Anne look stunning as they smoulder for the camera

Reclining: Perrie Edwards (right) and Leigh-Anne Pinnock look stunning as they smoulder for the camera

However, despite their stunning appearances in the photographs, the group admit they don't think they're sexy at all.

Asked if they were trying not to be sexy in a bid to get younger fans to relate to them, Perrie Edwards, 18, replied: 'It's not deliberate. We just can't be sexy!'

Jade added: I'm like a toothpick. I can't be sexy at all. A few boys on Twitter have said what's sexy is that we're trying not to be.

Rocking out: The girls are the first girlband ever to get through to the show's semi-finals

'I like the idea that mums are watching us and thinking we're good role models.'

And talking of being a good role model, Jesy said in the interview she has been overwhelmed by the support she has received from fans after revealing her struggles with her weight.

She said: 'I got comments about my weight when I was younger too but I'd never go on a diet - this is how I am and these girls have taught me to embrace it.

'We're all different and I like being me.

'The nicest thing has been getting messages from girls who are being bullied, who say that now they don't feel alone.

'One girl said that seeing me go on stage and be happy has inspired her.'

Little Mix have even won themselves an army of celebrity fans, with David Walliams and Lara Stone supporting the group live on the show.

Daisy Lowe tweeted her support for the band, writing: 'Ahhhhh my love for Little Mix is getting overwhelming,' while Pixie Geldof was photographed with the girls at a recent party.

The full interview with Little Mix appears in this week's Look magazine, out now.