X-Factor winners Little Mix coming to Southend (From Southend Standard)

X-Factor winners Little Mix coming to Southend

9:00am Friday 16th November 2012 in Echo News By David Trayner

X FACTOR winning girl group Little Mix are looking forward to seeing their “Essex Mixers” when they visit Southend.

The foursome, two of whom have connections to south Essex, will sign copies of their first book Little Mix: Ready to Fly, at the Victoria Shopping Centre next Friday.

Member Jesy Nelson, who is from Romford and whose mum Jan is a police community support officer in Canvey, said: "We're all so excited about our signing in Southend.

“I especially can't wait to return to Essex and see all our Essex Mixers.”

Fans must buy a copy of the new book, which reveals the girls’ style secrets and their early lives as well as charting the group’s rise to fame through the ITV talent show, and collect a wristband from WHSmith in the centre tomorrow.

Member Perrie Edwards, 19, started her singing career in the Woodlands Social Club, Basildon, which is managed by her stepdad, Mark Dufty Mr Dufty, 38, said: “She’s going to be over the moon to see her mates down here. Her mum Deborah is very proud of her.

“They go everywhere. Perrie loves it.”

The group, which also include Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall, were the first group to win the competition.

They began X Factor as four individuals before being made into a group by mentor Tulisa Contostavlos.

The visit will be the second celebrity signing for the shopping centre in two weeks after Celebrity Juice star Keith Lemon met fans at the centre last Friday.

Centre manager Dennis Baldry said: “Following the success of the Keith Lemon signing last week, we are really looking forwards to having Little Mix at the Victoria shopping centre.

“The fact that Jesy is an Essex girl is particularly exciting, as it is always a pleasure to welcome some home grown talent.

“We are expecting the event to be a lot of fun.”

For more information on the signing visit http://www.little-mix.com/gb/events/2012-11-23.