Why has Jesy Nelson left Little Mix? Singer’s Instagram post in full - and what will the other band members do?

Alex Nelson
By Alex Nelson
Published 15th Dec 2020, 09:35 BST
Updated 15th Dec 2020, 10:35 BST
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The four-piece are down to a trio – so what does the future hold for fans of Little Mix?

Jesy Nelson will be leaving Little Mix, the band has announced.

The news followed an announcement in November that Nelson would be taking an “extended” break from one of the country’s biggest-selling girl bands for private medical reasons.

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She had previously been absent from the final of Little Mix’s BBC One talent show The Search, and also a performance at the MTV European Music Awards.

Jesy Nelson performing with Little Mix in 2014 (Photo: Matthew Horwood/Getty Images for MTV UK)Jesy Nelson performing with Little Mix in 2014 (Photo: Matthew Horwood/Getty Images for MTV UK)
Jesy Nelson performing with Little Mix in 2014 (Photo: Matthew Horwood/Getty Images for MTV UK)

A statement from the band’s publicist Simon Jones said at the time: “Jesy is having extended time off from Little Mix for private medical reasons. We will not be issuing any further comment currently and ask media to please respect her privacy at this time.”

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Little Mix announce Jesy Nelson is leaving the band after nine years together

Here is everything you need to know.

Why has Jesy left Little Mix?

The remaining members of Little Mix - seen here at the MTV EMA's 2020 in London in November - announced they planned to continue with the band (Photo: Callum Mills via Getty Images for MTV)The remaining members of Little Mix - seen here at the MTV EMA's 2020 in London in November - announced they planned to continue with the band (Photo: Callum Mills via Getty Images for MTV)
The remaining members of Little Mix - seen here at the MTV EMA's 2020 in London in November - announced they planned to continue with the band (Photo: Callum Mills via Getty Images for MTV)

On 14 December, Nelson announced her permanent departure on social media, saying her nine years in the group had been “the most incredible time of my life”.

Nelson thanked fans as she explained her decision, saying “recently being in the band has really taken a toll on my mental health”, and adding that she finds the “constant pressure” of being in a girl group and living up to expectations “very hard.”

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Nelson has spoken openly about her battle with anxiety in the past, most notable in her 2019 BBC documentary Odd One Out, which won her the award for best factual entertainment at the 2020 National Television Awards.

As part of the film, she revealed that abuse on social media got so bad she attempted to take her own life. The heartbreaking documentary drew praise from fans and critics alike, with many showing their support for the singer.

Jesy Nelson’s statement in full