Little Mix star Perrie Edwards has paid tribute to her bandmates for backing her through her recent love split.

The singer broke up with former One Direction man Zayn Malik earlier this year after being in a long-term relationship.

Speaking in the new issue of Fabulous, Edwards said her three Little Mix bandmates were there for her during her toughest times.

She said: "They’re the most incredibly supportive girls and I'm very grateful to have them."

Talking about when she broke down on stage in New York following the split, Edwards added:

"As difficult as it can be to have your private life plastered all over the press and on social media every day, I guess the one plus side is that it is like a looking glass for other women to look in and relate to."

Malik meanwhile recently sparked romance rumours with Gigi Hadid after being pictured with the model in the US.

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Watch Little Mix being interviewed below: