Leigh-Anne Pinnock Breaks Silence on Jesy Nelson's Twins' SMA Diagnosis
Former Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock has publicly addressed her friendship with ex-bandmate Jesy Nelson and the devastating diagnosis of Nelson's twin daughters with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The star, who is now pursuing a solo career, shared her thoughts in an interview with Australian radio DJ Smallzy, marking her first comments on the sensitive matter.
Heartfelt Support for Jesy Nelson
During the interview, Smallzy asked about Jesy Nelson's recent documentary, Life After Little Mix, in which Nelson mentioned that the Little Mix members had reached out with support. Leigh-Anne, 34, responded emotionally, stating, "Heartbreaking, just awful. We all obviously did reach out to her, it’s the worst thing ever. I think she’s really incredible for spreading the awareness." Her words highlight the deep bond that persists despite the band's separation.
Enduring Sisterhood Among Former Bandmates
When questioned about whether the former bandmates still maintain a 'sisterhood' after going their separate ways, Leigh-Anne emphasized their lasting connection. She said, "I think that’s the special thing about us, we will always be there if we need each other for sure. I think, especially for me, Jade and Perrie, we’re super, super close and I think you need that in this industry too." She further explained that the music industry can be toxic and pressurizing, making their shared experience invaluable for mutual support.
Background on Jesy Nelson's Departure and Diagnosis
Fans were left heartbroken when Jesy Nelson announced her departure from Little Mix in 2020, citing mental health reasons. This left Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards, and Jade Thirlwall to continue as a trio before the group went on hiatus in 2022. In January 2026, Nelson shared the heartbreaking news that her twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, were diagnosed with Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a genetic condition affecting motor neurons and causing progressive muscle weakness.
In an emotional Instagram video, Nelson recounted how her mother noticed reduced leg movement in the twins, initially attributing it to their premature birth. She revealed the severity of the diagnosis, stating, "If it’s not treated in time, your baby’s life expectancy will not make it past the age of two." Since then, Nelson has been campaigning for SMA to be included in the UK newborn heel-prick screening test, which can detect the condition early and preserve muscle function for a better quality of life.
Campaigning for Awareness and Change
As part of her advocacy efforts, Jesy Nelson met with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to discuss the lack of awareness surrounding SMA and push for its inclusion in routine screenings. Her campaign aims to ensure early detection, which can be life-changing for affected children. Leigh-Anne's public support underscores the importance of raising awareness and the enduring solidarity among the former Little Mix members during challenging times.
