Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall has called for an improvement in aftercare for X Factor contestants, in the same week as the public call for the cancellation of various shows over the increasing concerns for participants.

The 26-year-old was crowned the winner of the ITV singing competition in 2011, alongside bandmates Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards.

And now the star has opened up about the struggles herself and the group faced after being ‘thrust’ into the industry at a young age.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk at British LGBT awards on Friday night, the singer said: ‘I think it is a bit of a shocker, especially for us girls we were only 18/19 when we first got thrown into the industry and it is a lot to handle.

‘Maybe there could be a bit more in place for mental health. We all have suffered in one way. It’s a tough one but a bit more could be done about it.’

Jade’s comments come after viewers called for Love Island to be cancelled following ITV’s decision to axe The Jeremy Kyle Show this week.

ITV recently confirmed the show has been cancelled following the suspected suicide of guest Steve Dymond, who was found dead in his bedroom just days after his appearance on the programme.

Dymond’s death represents one of many in connection with ITV shows recently, after former Love Island stars Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon both took their lives over the last year.

Little Mix, since becoming global superstars, have often received criticism for their appearance and outfit choices with many followers calling their performance costumes ‘skimpy’.

The Woman Like Me singer said that falling under frequent backlash with her band mates by her side made things a little bit easier.

‘I think we were lucky to be in a group, but as for young women being thrust into the industry and having everyone talk about how you look and just the pressure of being in the industry, was a lot for all of us,’ she revealed. ‘And we had to find our own way of dealing with that.’

The Brit Award winner concluded: ‘We’ve got each other. We’ve all gone through moments with our mental health and whether it’s talking to someone or getting therapy.’

Jade attended the LGBT Awards on 17 May and picked up the Change Maker prize for Little Mix in London’s Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. The event is held to celebrate the effort of those advancing the rights of the LGBT+ community.

The star-studded ceremony, hosted by Kelly Osbourne, annually recognises people and organisations who help further LGBT+ acceptance.

Sex and the City actress-turned-political-campaigner Cynthia Nixon was awarded Celebrity of the Year after using her platform to be vocal about marriage equality and LGBT+ visibility.

She accepted her award via a video link, while Paul O’Grady, who rose to fame with drag character, Lily Savage, was awarded with the Trailblazer accolade.

Speaking of the event Marjorie Strachan, of British LGBT Awards founding partner, NatWest, said: ‘The awards are about more than recognising the nominees and winners, they are about creating a change in attitudes towards diversity and inclusion in every part of the UK.

‘This is something that we are committed to, and proud to celebrate.’

Winners list for 2019 British LGBT Awards

Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Stephen Fry

Trailblazer
Winner: Paul O’Grady

Sports Personality
Winner: Nicola Adams OBE

Music Artist
Winner: Hayley Kiyoko

LGBT+ Celebrity
Winner: Cynthia Nixon

LGBT+ Celebrity Ally
Winner: Ellie Goulding

Media Moment
Winner: Courtney Act

LGBT+ Online Influencer
Winner: Calle y Poché

Change Makers
Winner: Little Mix

LGBT+ Broadcaster or Journalist
Joint Winners: Liv Little and Anna Richardson

Campaigner
Winner: Munroe Bergdorf

Brand or Marketing Campaign
Spotify: Pride Stories

LGBT+ Charity or Community Initiative
Winner: LGBT Youth Scotland

LGBT+ Future Leader
Winner: Jemma Kameen, Sainsbury’s

LGBT+ Network Group
Winner: 4Pride

Outstanding Contribution to LGBT+ Life
Winner: Peter Tatchell

Inspirational Leader
Geffrye Parsons, Macquarie Group

Corporate Ally
Winner: Jim Herbert, Aon

Diversity Hero
Winner: David Pearson, KPMG

Inclusive Employer or Company
Winner: Vodafone Group

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