Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has shared the heartbreaking news that her twin daughters have been diagnosed with a serious genetic condition, as a source close to the star reflects on the heavy personal cost of her fame.
The devastating diagnosis for Story and Ocean
Jesy Nelson's twin daughters, Story and Ocean, who were born prematurely in May, have been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The condition is a genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and worsens over time. The 34-year-old singer, originally from Romford in east London, broke the news in an emotional Instagram video, stating the last few months have been "the most heartbreaking of my life".
She revealed she feels she is "grieving a life I thought I was going to have with my children" but insisted with characteristic resilience that her daughters will "defy all the odds". Jesy, who is in a relationship with musician Zion Foster, emphasised that with the right early help, "they will fight this".
A campaign for change and a reflection on fame
In the wake of the diagnosis, Jesy has launched a campaign calling for every newborn to receive a simple £5 blood test on the NHS to screen for SMA, a move backed by the Mirror. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes for children with the condition.
This personal battle has prompted those close to Jesy to reflect on her difficult journey in the spotlight since winning The X Factor with Little Mix in 2011. An insider suggested that, looking back, avoiding the auditions might have been for the best. "She wanted fame, she wanted to be a star... Maybe it would have been best if she had never been famous at all," the source said.
The source pointed to the intense struggles Jesy faced after the band's rise to fame, including vicious online trolling and a suicide attempt. At just 20 years old, she was subjected to cruel comments branding her the "ugliest thing" and telling her she "deserved to die" for being curvier than her bandmates.
Defying the odds in music and motherhood
Despite the abuse, Jesy defied the critics to achieve phenomenal success with Little Mix. The band, arguably the most successful act to emerge from The X Factor, secured five UK number one singles, including 'Shout Out to My Ex' in 2016 and 'Sweet Melody' in 2020. They amassed over 15 billion streams on Spotify, performed in more than 20 countries, and sold three million concert tickets before parting ways in 2022.
Now, Jesy is channelling her strength into a new fight for her children's health. Her emotional appearance on ITV's This Morning on Thursday highlighted the ongoing concern from her fans. As she advocates for wider SMA screening, her personal story underscores a powerful message about early intervention and the unforeseen challenges life can bring, far from the glare of the pop star spotlight she once coveted.
