AS one quarter of pop band Little Mix, Jesy Nelson enjoyed almost ten years at the top of the charts – selling millions of records and amassing an international fan base.

 

But the popular singer, who first found fame with her bandmates on Simon Cowell's ITV juggernaut The X Factor in 2011, felt forced to step away from the group just over two years ago to focus on her mental wellbeing – prompting a barrage of online abuse and an uncomfortable fall out with the other three members.

 

Today, the 31-year-old star opens up about the incident for the first time and while time has not proved a healer for her friendship with her former co-stars, she is finally ready to return as she unveils her latest solo single, Bad Thing – a hauntingly beautiful ballad which marks a startling departure from her bubble-gum pop roots and tackles a host of complex issues including mental health and domestic violence.

 

In fact, Jesy reveals she now hasn’t spoken to her former pals since the split more than two years ago.

 

She explains: “Being in a girl band, you are a machine going all the time.

 

"You don't have a minute to breathe and take time out if you just need space. That was something I struggled with.

 

“For me my mental health issues were an ongoing thing while I was in Little Mix. I was struggling with my body issues, I was constantly being trolled – and I really, really struggled with it.

 

“I was in it for nearly ten years. I think I was never prepared for what was to come. I didn't have social media or any of that, I was just a barmaid working in Dagenham.

 

“For me personally, by the end, I couldn't enjoy the good parts and it’s a shame as I had the most amazing times in Little Mix, but I will say this always, your mental health is the most important thing and you only live once so sometimes you have to stop and look after yourself.

 

"I needed support and help to overcome that, and there wasn’t the time while I was in the band.

 

"I don’t have any regrets because I had to do what was right for me and I will always cherish the memories I had in Little Mix.

 

“So no, we haven’t talked since then. Never say never, but I honestly wish them the best on their solo journeys now, which is so exciting.

 

“I think that is what is so exciting about all of us. We are all musically different styles. I think we will all go in our own lane.

 

"I am rooting for all of them. I honestly do wish them all the success as they are all crazy talented.

 

“Time has been about rebuilding myself, regaining my confidence, going to therapy and talking about it all openly.

 

Source: The Sun

 

Incase anyone attacks, of course she's going to answer if she's asked about them.

Edited April 18, 20232 yr by Slayer

honestly the way this story is being spun (regardless if Jesy has a say) is that Little Mix are the villains for not speaking to her, as if they have ignored her amid her mental health struggles when we all know they were her biggest supporters. guessing her team needed a bit of engagement and are finally going after the "jesy v little mix" direction. even if what jesy is saying is true (she fully blocked them and has been caught in several lies in the past throughout this whole debacle) the way the cover (which is all what anyone cares about) is being played up is that she is the victim and they are the bullies. very ugly and messy, hopefully Jesy can clarify herself the girls start getting dragged

I’ve just saw the cover being spun by The Sun, the way she didn’t even say it like that. Gosh The Sun are trash trying to shit stir.

The Independent: Jesy Nelson was right to end her toxic friendship with Little Mix

Whether they reunite as a 3 of 4, this will always loom over them. Even Loose Women had it as a topic today and the narrative was 'pop bands are necessarily friends'. Shame on Jesy for ruining what was a great bond. I feel sorry for Perrie, Leigh-Anne & Jade that they constantly have to deal with this drama they didn't sign up for and will no doubt be asked about it when they're ready to promote their solo releases.

I still think they'll reunite as 4 by the time we ever hear from Little Mix as a group again.

I feel for the remaining 3 as they aren’t ones to speak up and put the record straight. People will listen to what Jesy (or her team) put out and make their minds up about the 3 without hearing it from both sides.

 

It’s a sad situation

I still think they'll reunite as 4 by the time we ever hear from Little Mix as a group again.

 

I don’t see them ever being a 4 again.

I don’t see them ever being a 4 again.

 

Sugababes first line up and All Saints prove anything is possible.

 

These were severely toxic girlband break ups.

Sugababes first line up and All Saints prove anything is possible.

 

These were severely toxic girlband break ups.

 

There was no social media then.

 

Edited April 18, 20232 yr by Yousee