Little Mix were ''disappointed'' 'DNA' didn't reach number one.

Jade Thirlwall - who is joined in the group by Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock - admitted the girl band were upset their third single didn't hit the top spot on the UK singles chart last year, because they thought it was as strong as their previous hit, 'Wings'.

Speaking to Digital Spy, she said: ''Yeah, we were kind of disappointed because it sold really well. I think it was just the timing because One Direction at the time shot straight to number one with 'Little Things'. It's always hard to compete with the 1D lads. And we're chuffed to bits for them; we've always been supportive of them.

''We were really happy with the sales but a little bit disheartened just because we worked so hard on that song. It is one of our favourites on the album and we kind of thought as well that 'Wings' was amazing and that was on the same level if not better.''

However, the girl group - whose album, also titled 'DNA', reached the top three in the UK album chart last year - were pleased with the song's continued strong performance despite missing out on the number one spot.

Jade added: ''At the end of the day getting number one isn't always everything. It's more how you sell it over the weeks, isn't it?''