After nine years, Jesy Nelson has officially left Little Mix, saying being part of the pop group had “taken a toll on my mental health”.
“I find the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations very hard,” she said.
Writing on Instagram, the 29-year-old said being in the band had been “the most incredible time” but it was now time to “embark on a new chapter”.
Her former bandmates said it was “an incredibly sad time for all of us but we are fully supportive of Jesy”.
This news comes after a month of Jesy’s break from the band, due to her health concerns.
Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards, and Jade Thirlwall performed as a trio on Strictly Come Dancing at the weekend. In her statement, Nelson said she had made her decision “after much consideration and with a heavy heart”.
“I need to spend some time with the people I love, doing things that make me happy,” she said, explaining herself to her fans.
The remaining members added: “We know that Jesy leaving the group is going to be really upsetting news for our fans.
“We love her very much and agree that it is so important that she does what is right for her mental health and well-being.”
They said they were “still very much enjoying our Little Mix journey” and would continue as a trio.
On the X-Factor, Little Mix formed in 2011 and went on to record six top 10 UK albums and four number-one singles. With their hit Sweet Melody, they are currently at number five on the chart.
Nelson was widely praised in a BBC Three documentary last year for detailing her mental health issues.
In the BBC One talent show Little Mix: The Search, the group was recently seen searching for a new backing band to join them on tour.
Source: BBC, Little Mix, Jesy Nelson