Little Mix have admitted that it is difficult to beat One Direction in the charts.

The 2011 X Factor winners have enjoyed a successful start to their career, with debut album 'DNA' well received.

However, their achievements are dwarfed by fellow X Factor alumni One Direction, who left the show in 2010 to ultimately become global stars.

Speaking to Digital Spy, Jade Thirlwall said that the female group were annoyed their single 'DNA' didn't hit No.1 - but they understand that they were up against One Direction's 'Little Things'. She said:

"Yeah, we were kind of disappointed because it sold really well. I think it was just the timing because One Direction at the time shot straight to number one with 'Little Things'. It's always hard to compete with the 1D lads. And we're chuffed to bits for them; we've always been supportive of them."

Thirlwall continued: "We were really happy with the sales but a little bit disheartened just because we worked so hard on that song. It is one of our favourites on the album and we kind of thought as well that 'Wings' was amazing and that was on the same level if not better. At the end of the day getting number one isn't always everything. It's more how you sell it over the weeks, isn't it?"