Aston Merrygold has admitted that he is rarely apart from his JLS bandmates despite it not being his decision. Almost 20 years since the boy band JLS formed, the members have said they are "closer than ever" thanks to their 10 children.
JLS Reunion Sparks Deeper Connection
The band, comprising Oritsé Williams, Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, and JB Gill, shot to fame after being runners-up on The X Factor in 2008. They released four multi-platinum albums and won two Brit Awards before splitting in 2013. The members wanted to go out "on top" before pursuing solo projects. It wasn't until 2020 that the band reunited and announced a tour, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed those plans until the end of 2021.
Now, Merrygold has confirmed the bandmates remain close for another reason: their 10 children. Speaking on the CBeebies Parenting Download podcast, hosted by Katie Thistleton and rapper Guvna B, the Cambridgeshire native said the children are "like family" and refer to each other as "cousins."
Kids Decide the Band's Get-Togethers
Aston said: "We're more close now because it's almost like it's not our decision to see each other. It's our kids." He added: "They're family, to the point of going, 'oh, you know, my cousin and my other cousin.' They are honestly so, so close. It's not really our decision anymore to see each other."
"Yes, we work together, we love each other, but now it's like, 'Okay, Grayson wants to see Valia, he wants to see Kiki or Hook.' It just is what it is. Now we have to follow their lead."
Parenting Support System Among Bandmates
Like with any parents, Merrygold said it is particularly great for the bandmates as each of them is at a different stage of parenting and able to support each other. He said: "We're all at such different stages with our kids, so we kind of lean on each other for those experiences that may have come up along the way."
"It's nice to have that closeness and that trust within people who are just gonna tell you how it is."
