Little Mix cut world tour short to 'focus on recording' and cancel Australia and New Zealand shows

Little Mix have been forced to cancel their upcoming tour dates in Australia and New Zealand.

Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards apologised to fans, saying cutting their world tour short was not a decision they have "taken lightly".

But the pop group said they need the time to "focus on recording new music".

The girls recently announced their new BBC talent show The Search, which kicks off next year, and completing the tour would leave them without time to record their sixth album.

Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards and Jesy Nelson of Little Mix on stage at the Brit Awards 2019 (PA)

"We are really sad to announce we have to cancel our upcoming Australia and New Zealand tour dates," the group said in statement.

"We are so sorry for disappointing our fans who were coming to the shows.

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly but we have to use this time to focus on recording new music.

They said those who have bought tickets for the cancelled shows would be offered a full refund.

LM5: The Tour kicked off on September 16 in Madrid, Spain, and had been set to conclude on December 17 in Auckland, New Zealand, after 46 shows.