The Search live shows delayed

\'The Search\' live shows have been delayed due to coronavirus.

Little Mix\'s new talent show was due to air four live shows across Saturdays in May with a live studio audience, but as a result of COVID-19 - which has killed nearly 9,000 people worldwide - the BBC are said to have "pulled the plug" on the episodes.

A source told The Sun newspaper\'s Bizarre column: "The girls have been told the live shows for their TV series \'The Search\' are going to be delayed.

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"The plan was to air four live shows every Saturday night across May.

"But because these would be filmed in front of a live studio audience, they\'ve had to pull the plug because of coronavirus.

"It\'s a really frustrating time for the group but they know there\'s nothing that can be done."

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Last month, Little Mix were said to have cried after eliminating singers from \'The Search\' during filming.

In one session they had to send contestants from each of the six remaining bands home before the show moves onto the live finals.

Jesy and Jade were said to be in tears after sending two hopefuls home and had to be comforted by bandmates Leigh-Anne and Perrie.

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An audience member said: "The girls have invested a lot in the people taking part in the show and feel attached to all of them. So to have to start waving goodbye to some of the acts was really difficult.

"Some of the singers got upset and that set off Jesy and Jade. It\'s the hardest part of the show so far and it was a highly emotional night.

"Jesy and Jade both had tears streaming down their faces. It\'s clear the show means so much to them and they really care for their acts."

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The pre-recorded auditions are due to air in April.