Jesy Nelson is to take indefinite leave from Little Mix for "private medical reasons", the band have announced.

The 29-year-old abruptly pulled out of the group's commitments earlier this month due to illness - and as a result missed the final of their BBC talent series Little Mix The Search and their high-profile gig hosting MTV's Europe Music Awards, as well as the launch week of their new album Confetti.

"Jesy is having extended time off from Little Mix for private medical reasons," said a spokesperson for the band.

"We will not be issuing any further comment currently and ask media to please respect her privacy at this time."

Little Mix have been together since 2011 when they were formed on The X Factor and rank as one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, having sold more than 50 million records worldwide.