Jesy Nelson's decision to leave Little Mix has sparked a major reaction online – following a statement issued by the pop star last night, in which she revealed that "being in the band has really taken a toll on my mental health".

In her statement, Nelson acknowledged that the "past nine years in Little Mix has been the most incredible time of my life" – but also noted that she finds "the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations very hard."

"So after much consideration and with a heavy heart, I'm announcing I'm leaving Little Mix," she continued. "I need to spend some time with the people I love, doing things that make me happy. I'm ready to embark on a new chapter in my life – I'm not sure what it's going to look like right now, but I hope you'll still be there to support me."

 

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In response, Little Mix issued a statement of their own on Twitter, signed off by Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock – saying that this "is an incredibly sad time for all of us but we are fully supportive of Jesy."

After an amazing 9 years together Jesy has made the decision to leave Little Mix. This is an incredibly sad time for all of us but we are fully supportive of Jesy.

— Little Mix (@LittleMix) December 14, 2020

See reactions from fans below:

Listening to little mix all day 😭

— Jan Sport (@janjanjan) December 14, 2020

Thank you Jesy for 9 incredible years with @LittleMix. We love and support you always. 💖 pic.twitter.com/sBUbLspMWX

— MTV (@MTV) December 14, 2020

sending the biggest amount of love right now to jesy and the girls❤️ @LittleMix

— ili (@thisisili) December 14, 2020

Good luck in the future Jesy 🥺❤️ Band life ain’t easy at times bless her #littlemix

— Tebi (@AshleyRaksu) December 14, 2020