WHEN it comes to girl groups going solo, there can only ever be one really successful member, while the others trail behind pretending to be happy for them.
Beyoncé is the obvious example – her Destiny’s Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams never stood a chance.
In terms of their UK counterparts, Cheryl led the way for Girls Aloud and – although she’s not known for her music – Victoria Beckham will always be the standout Spice Girl.
As for Little Mix, it’s Jade Thirlwall who’s come out on top after her debut releases were met with huge critical and commercial success.
While her bandmates Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards haven’t totally flopped – all three girls landed at number three with their solo albums – 33-year-old Jade’s highs have unfortunately highlighted their lows.
The Sun revealed last week how Perrie, 33, has split with her management company of 15 years and also parted ways with Columbia Records.
And Leigh-Anne, 34, has turned her attention to reality TV after a lukewarm reception to her solo music. She’ll appear on Celebrity Traitors later this year and is also set to star in an episode of Who Do You Think You Are?.
A well-placed insider told The Sun: “Perrie and Leigh are ready to come back now.
“They’ve done what they needed to do and would announce a Little Mix tour tomorrow if they could.
“It’s kind of ironic that Jade didn’t want the hiatus but she’s had the most success.
“But as much as she is, in her own words, Little Mix’s biggest fan, for Jade it’s just not the right time. She knows she’ll never get this chance again.”
Speaking of a possible Little Mix comeback, Perrie confessed recently she’s “ready and raring” while Leigh insisted she’s “a hundred per cent” behind getting back together.
Meanwhile, Jade has been a bit more coy in terms of timings. The Angel of My Dreams hitmaker said recently: “There will be a Little Mix reunion.”
But, suggesting her focus is elsewhere for now, she added to Capital: “It doesn’t matter how long that takes.”
We’re told that there is nothing but love between the three girls and they are as close as ever but Perrie and Leigh know that the more successful Jade becomes the longer they’ll have to wait to be back on stage with her.
She’s full-steam ahead with the follow up to debut solo album That’s Showbiz Baby! and has spent the last two summers performing at the likes of Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds festivals.
Our source added: “Perrie and Leigh are super proud of Jade.
“They always knew she’d go on to do great things. They’ve each found the perfect balance as working mums but Jade doesn’t have kids so, for now at least, it’s all about her career.
“Perrie and Leigh just hope that it won’t be too much longer before Jade can clear some space in her schedule so they can be together again.”