Newly-single Jesy Nelson thrills fans in tiny leotard as she joins Little Mix bandmates for X Factor finale performance... five years to the day since they took home the crown

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Exactly five years ago to the day, Little Mix became the first ever group to win The X Factor.

And to mark their incredible career to date, the fabulous foursome returned to where it all began to perform at the 2016 finale of the long-running ITV singing contest.

While finalists Saara Aalto and Matt Terry took a well-earned break from their last-shot performances, Little Mix seized the spotlight to remind the audience and viewers at home precisely why they won the series back in 2011. 

Special occasion: Newly single Jesy Nelson thrills fans in tiny leotard as she joins Little Mix bandmates for X Factor finale performance... exactly 5 years since they took home the crown

Back again: Exactly five years ago to the day, Little Mix became the first ever group to win The X Factor

The girl group joined Charlie Pluth in belting out their new single Oops before he departed the stage and they gave a stunning rendition of their hit Touch.

The stunning quartet, comprising of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, dazzled in sexy pink raincoat-type numbers, which were relatively covered up, before they whipped off their getups to expose tiny leotards.

The daring outfits showcased the four-piece's toned figures and were made in an array of whites, greys, pinks and mauves.

Rather resembling the costumes of the musical Fame! the skintight leotards were decorated with different details for each singer - including chokers and braces - and allowed them the freedom to perform one of their typically-energetic dance numbers as they belted out their latest sure-fire hit.

Pink ladies: While finalists Saara Aalto and Matt Terry took a well-earned break from their last-shot performances, Little Mix seized the spotlight to remind the audience and viewers at home precisely why they won the series in 2011

Fantastic Four: The girl group joined Charlie Pluth in belting out their new single Oops before he departed the stage and they gave a stunning rendition of their hit Touch

During the final of The X Factor's eighth season five years ago, the group stood on the same stage having performed a variety of songs across the weekend, where they waited to find out whether they had beaten Marcus Collins to the win.

They indeed took the crown and simultaneously made X Factor history by becoming the first group to win, mentored through the process by former judge Tulisa.

Following their performance on Sunday night, Jesy told host Dermot O Leary: 'When we were on this stage everything went into a blur and when we heard our name we couldn't believe it.'

Perrie offered advice to the eventual winner - which turned out to be Matt Terry - saying: 'Get some sleep, use the platform, work hard and have fun.' 

As they were: Little Mix made X Factor history as mentor Tulisa nurtured them through the series, going on to take the crown in December 2011

Five years later...: The stunning quartet, comprising of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, dazzled in sexy pink ensembles which were relatively covered up before they whipped off their getups to expose tiny leotards

Fame! Rather resembling the outfits of the musical Fame! the skintight leotards were decorated with different details for each singer - including chokers and braces - and allowed them the freedom to perform one of their typically-energetic dance numbers as they belted out their latest sure-fire hit

The world-famous girl group were supported by their legions of fans on Twitter as they performed on ITV.

Leading the way, one fan posted: 'OH MY GOSH this performance is one of my favourite EVER! I'M SO HAPPY AND PROUD!!'

Another posted: 'I stopped breathing at least twice during that Little Mix. You're incredible!'

A third gushed: 'I'm so proud! That was amazing!!! 5 years on! Best decision of my life to support you girls!'

'This performance must be written down as one of Little Mix's best performances yet!!! They slayed the whole stage of #xfactorfinal,' someone else posted.

Bold moves: The daring outfits showcased the four-piece's individual toned figures and were made in an array of whites, greys, pinks and mauves

Words of advice: Following their performance on Sunday night, Perrie offered advice to the eventual winner - which turned out to be Matt Terry - saying: 'Get some sleep, use the platform, work hard and have fun'

'With one word, W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!' another fan surmised.

There was a slight backlash to the performance, however.

Some took to Twitter to slam the girls' leotards, resembling the social media row that erupted when the band appeared on The X Factor a few weeks ago to debut their single Shout Out To My Ex.

As was the case then, tweeters got vocal about how revealing the costumes were.

(Little) Mixed reaction: Tweets started to appear online either praising or slamming the girls' racy leotards

Just can't wait! The girls themselves didn't seem bothered by their choice in clothing as some of them took to Instagram before the performance to show fans with what they would be wearing

What a tease! Perrie and Leigh-Anne both uploaded snaps of them in their daring ensembles, making sure fans would be tuning in wherever they were around the globe

'I like Little Mix but this look they have going at the moment with the leotards and knee high boots is just wrong!' came the first negative reply.

'Little Mix as role models for all the UK's young girls, in their hot pants and leotards and 10 layers of makeup!' came another miserly tweet.

Another person typed: 'Why do Little Mix have to perform in leotards? It's not an aerobics class!'

These posts rang similar to the ones in October, which branded the band 'strippers' in some cases.

'Yep Little Mix might as well be strippers. Gosh #XFactor,' whilst another added: 'I love little mix but what they're wearing ain't appropriate for a family show.' 

Flashback: The girls were totally unaware of the global phenomenons they would become

But the same fans of the band who jumped to their defense back then soon waded into the leotard debate on Sunday, leaping to the girls' defense.

'Little Mix are getting slammed for performing in leotards!!... I'm sorry BUT Cher and Madonna in the 80s?? To name but a few...' came the first supportive post.

'OMG sick of people moaning about little mix for wearing leotards but nobody says a word about Beyoncé for it????' pointed out someone else.

'I SWEAR I've never heard anyone complain about Beyoncé, J-Lo and Shakira in leotards! Lay off @LittleMix guys!' came another defiant tweet.

The girls themselves didn't seem bothered by their choice in clothing as some of them took to Instagram before the performance to show fans with what they would be wearing.

What a difference five years makes: The band have just released their fourth studio album Glory Days

Perrie and Leigh-Anne both uploaded snaps of them in their daring ensembles, making sure fans would be tuning in wherever they were around the globe.

Jesy kept relatively quiet on her social media accounts in comparison - perhaps keeping a lower profile due to her recent split from fiancé Jake Roche.

Jesy seems to be on top of her heartbreak, as she put in an all-conquering performance at the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball 2016 with Coca-Cola at The O2 Arena in London alongside her Little Mix bandmates last weekend, and followed things up with the band's belter on Sunday's X Factor finale.

Shortly before she hit the stage for the band's sassy headline performance, the singer revealed the only way to get over a broken heart is by 'crying it out'.

Meanwhile, Jake will reportedly be giving fans his version of events with his latest single.