South Shields comedian Chris Ramsey announced as host of Little Mix The Search talent show

Auditions have already begun for Little Mix The Search, which will see Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall – both from South Shields – Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock launch a bid to find incredible singers to form a brand new band, who will go on to support the girls on their tour this summer.

And on Wednesday, March 11, Chris Ramsey was announced as the host of the programme, which is expected to start on BBC One in due course.

Confirming the news on Twitter, the girls said: “Beyond excited to announce Chris Ramsey as the host of Little Mix The Search. South Shields takeover on BBC One.”

The announcement follows a run of huge news for Chris, who last year reached the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing and will start his 2020 stand-up tour later this month.

In recent weeks, he and wife Rosie Ramsey have also revealed a hugely-anticipated tour for their comedy podcast, S*****d Married Annoyed, which will arrive at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13.

A book on the award-winning podcast will also be released later this year. There is already huge demand for pre-sale copies.

Little Mix shot to fame after becoming the first group to win the X Factor in 2011.

South Shields native Jade makes frequent trips back to her home town, and last year opened cocktail bar Arbeia in Ocean Road.