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Jesy Nelson not in touch with Little Mix but 'rooting' for them

Jesy Nelson - "I'm rooting for all of them. I honestly do wish them all the success, as they are all crazy talented" Photos: Press Association
Jesy Nelson - "I'm rooting for all of them. I honestly do wish them all the success, as they are all crazy talented" Photos: Press Association

Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has said she is not in touch with her ex-bandmates but is "rooting for all of them".

The 31-year-old singer was part of the successful group alongside Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards but left in 2020 after nine years.

At the time of her departure, Nelson said she was "ready to embark on a new chapter" in her life and that being in the group had affected her mental health.

She made her comments about wishing the trio the best during a new interview about the toll that being in Little Mix had taken on her.

Speaking to The Sun, Nelson said she was "constantly being trolled" while in Little Mix.

"Being in a girl band, you are a machine going all the time. You don't have a minute to breathe and take time out if you just need space. That was something I struggled with," she explained.

"For me, my mental health issues were an ongoing thing while I was in Little Mix. I was struggling with my body issues, I was constantly being trolled and I really, really struggled.

"I was in it for nearly 10 years. I think I was never prepared for what was to come. I didn't have social media or any of that. I was just a barmaid working in Dagenham."

Little Mix were formed in the eighth series of The X Factor in 2011 and were the first group to win the competition.

Little Mix (L-R) - Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock

In December 2021, the three remaining members announced they would be going on hiatus following the completion of their 2022 Confetti Tour, in order to "recharge and work on some other projects".

Nelson told the tabloid: "I will say this always, your mental health is the most important thing. You only live once, so sometimes you have to stop and look after yourself.

"I needed support and help to overcome that, and there wasn't the time while I was in the band. I don't have regrets because I had to do what was right for me and I will always cherish the memories I had in Little Mix.

"So, no, we haven't talked since then. Never say never, but I honestly wish them the best on their solo journeys now, which is so exciting. That is what is so exciting about all of us.

"We are all musically different. We will all go in our own lane. I'm rooting for all of them. I honestly do wish them all the success, as they are all crazy talented."

Nelson has previously spoken openly about her battle with anxiety and revealed in a 2019 BBC documentary called Odd One Out that abuse on social media became so bad that she attempted to take her own life.

The programme won her the award for Best Factual Entertainment at the 2020 National Television Awards in the UK.

Nelson released her debut solo single Boyz featuring US rapper Nicki Minaj in October 2021. More recently, she released her new single Bad Thing on 14 April.

If you have been affected by issues raised in this article, please visit: www.rte.ie/helplines.

Source: Press Association

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