Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has made a startling revelation about the band's breakup, claiming that another member of the chart-topping group was actually the first to express a desire to quit. The 34-year-old singer makes this disclosure in her new Amazon Prime documentary, "Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix," which chronicles her departure from the band and her challenging pregnancy journey.
Shocking Revelation About Band Departure
For years, it was widely assumed that Nelson was the first Little Mix member to decide to leave the group. When she announced her departure in 2020, she publicly cited the significant toll that being in the band was taking on her mental health as her primary reason. However, the new six-part documentary series presents a different narrative entirely.
Nelson reveals that an unnamed bandmate shocked the other members when she first announced her intention to quit the group. This revelation prompted what Nelson describes as a two-year "winding down" period for Little Mix's activities before their eventual hiatus.
Documentary Details and Personal Struggles
The documentary follows Nelson's journey from her departure from Little Mix through her tumultuous pregnancy, which was affected by numerous serious medical complications. Nelson explains in the series that she struggled to cope with the news of her bandmate's desire to leave, ultimately deciding to announce her own departure just one month after the release of the band's final album, "Confetti."
Her former bandmates Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall, and Perrie Edwards went on to complete their final tour before the group entered an indefinite hiatus. All four former members have since been pursuing solo careers in the music industry.
Earlier Desire to Leave Revealed
In a recent interview on Jamie Laing's Good Company podcast, Nelson confessed that she actually wanted to leave Little Mix much earlier than previously known. She revealed that just two years after joining the band in 2011, she attempted to exit the group, but was convinced by her family to remain.
"During my first attempt to leave, the band was not yet at its peak popularity," Nelson explained. "My brother apparently convinced me to stick it out for another few years, which I ultimately did."
Focus on Family and Health Advocacy
During an appearance on Heart FM's Breakfast show with hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston, Nelson made it clear that her current priorities have shifted dramatically. "I'd never say never to music, but for me, my girls are my main focus," she stated emphatically. "I'll be honest with you, I've not got time for music right now. They are my whole heart and soul."
Nelson's twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, were diagnosed with SMA1 (spinal muscular atrophy), a serious genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and movement problems. According to NHS information, the condition also leads to breathing and swallowing difficulties, muscle tremors, and bone and joint problems.
Healthcare Campaigning Efforts
Since her daughters' diagnosis, Nelson has become a passionate advocate for changes to the UK healthcare system. She has launched a petition calling for SMA1 screenings to be included in the newborn blood spot screening test, commonly known as the heel prick test.
"I want to continue advocating for them and getting this heel prick test changed," Nelson explained. "Getting them strong is my main focus right now."
Current Family Situation
Nelson, who shares her twins with former partner Zion Foster, revealed that her daughters are currently in a vulnerable state during their treatment. "They are on a course of medication right now, so they can't do a lot," she shared. "We have to be very careful about where we take them because they can't catch anything."
The singer expressed optimism about their future progress, saying, "Once they're off the medication, hopefully we'll be on the up. They'll get even stronger. They're doing really well considering everything."
Nelson's documentary provides unprecedented insight into both her professional journey with Little Mix and her personal challenges as a mother advocating for her children's health, marking a significant new chapter in her public life and career.
