Little Mix have been named 2015 MTV EMAs Best UK and Ireland Act.

The four-piece girl band - featuring Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson - have fought off competition from Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith, Tinie Tempah, Calvin Harris and James Bay to win the title, ahead of the MTV EMAs on Sunday October 25.

The 'Black Magic' hitmakers - who will release their third studio album 'Get Weird' next month - received the most votes in the public poll and will now go up against acts from across Europe to compete for the Best Worldwide Act: Europe award, which fans can vote for through the event's website until October 24.

This year's ceremony is being held in the Mediolanum Forum in Milan, Italy, and will be hosted by Ed Sheeran and 'Orange is the New Black' star Ruby Rose.

Pharrell Williams will open the show, while other performers include Ed and Rudimental, Ellie Goulding, Jason Derulo, Tori Kelly, Jess Glynne and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

Taylor Swift leads the nominations for the event, being up for nine awards including Best Female and Best Pop, while Justin Bieber has been shortlisted for six prizes.