Jesy Nelson's Documentary Delivers Unflinching Look at High-Risk Pregnancy
The former Little Mix star, Jesy Nelson, stars in a new Amazon Prime documentary series titled Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix, which premieres on Friday 13 February. The first episode provides a shockingly candid portrayal of her high-risk pregnancy, capturing genuine insights into her life post-departure from one of the UK's most successful pop groups. Roisin O'Connor praises the series for its authenticity and emotional depth, highlighting how it balances personal turmoil with reflections on fame.
Emergency Surgery and Devastating Diagnoses
Just two days into filming, Nelson was rushed to hospital for an emergency operation while four months pregnant. She was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, a life-threatening condition where twins share a placenta but have imbalanced blood flow. This led to a three-month hospital stay until her babies were born prematurely. Tragically, the twins have since been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1, a disease causing muscle wastage, with doctors indicating they may never walk. The documentary captures these harrowing moments with raw honesty, showing Nelson's resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Reflections on Little Mix and Early Career Struggles
Born in Romford, east London, Nelson grew up with a passion for entertaining, though her journey was marked by early setbacks. A croaky debut at stage school and a critical audition for The X Factor in 2011, where Gary Barlow described her performance as generic and lacking individuality, left her emotionally scarred. She recalls fleeing backstage in tears, a reaction that hinted at her struggles with the spotlight. Despite this, she was brought back to form Little Mix with Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards, and Jade Thirlwall, a decision that catapulted her to fame but also exposed her to intense public scrutiny.
Online Bullying and Personal Growth
Nelson has previously documented the bullying she endured during her time in Little Mix, becoming obsessed with negative online comments and tabloid stories. In this new series, she reflects on how this toxicity affected her mental health, describing it as an addiction. However, the documentary also showcases her growth, presenting a warmer, funnier side as she navigates pregnancy with humor, such as fussing over grey hairs and sharing light-hearted moments with her family. Her ex-fiance, Zion Foster, and supportive mum, Janice, feature prominently, adding layers to her personal narrative.
Unresolved Mysteries and Future Revelations
The first episode teases the real reason Nelson left Little Mix in December 2020, a topic set to be explored in later episodes. While she initially cited mental health impacts, the series promises deeper revelations, creating a cliffhanger that intrigues viewers. Despite this, the focus remains on her current journey, using her distressing pregnancy experience to raise awareness for others facing similar struggles. The documentary is praised for its frankness and moving portrayal, though questions linger about whether revisiting past grievances might overshadow the positive character development shown.
Overall, Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix stands as a commendable and heartfelt exploration of resilience, blending personal adversity with pop culture intrigue in a way that resonates deeply with audiences.
