Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock has announced her first solo project after bandmate Jesy Nelson’s extended break from the group.

Leigh-Anne, 29, teased her first ever movie role in an upcoming British romantic comedy Boxing Day and will join an all-black cast which includes, Aja Naomi King, Marianne Jean-Baptiste and actor Aml Ameen in his directorial debut, according to Deadline.

Leigh-Anne shared the news on Instagram with the caption: “👀🖤🎬 no words 👏🏾🙏🏾”

She also shared support from friends on her Instagram stories:

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According to the filmmakers, the storyline for Boxing Day is loosely based on Aml Ameen’s life and will follow Melvin, a British author returning from America for Christmas, to introduce his fiancée to his “eccentric British-Caribbean family”.

It is currently unknown who Leigh-Anne will play, but we do know that it won’t be the role of Melvin’s fiancée, as Aja Naomi King has been cast in that role. However, excluding her various roles in music videos, this will mark Leigh-Anne’s first film role.

The film is currently in production.

The news comes shortly after a statement from Little Mix confirmed that Jesy, 29, would be taking a break from the band.

It read: “Jesy is having extended time off from Little Mix for private medical reasons.

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

Leigh-Anne and bandmates Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards will continue to promote their new album Confetti.

Their 2021 tour which is due to start in April is likely to go ahead, with or without Jesy, even if it’s delayed by COVID-19 restrictions, according to sources.