Yahoo Finance Jesy Nelson's first message to fans since leaving Little Mix: 'Thanks for love and support'
Jesy Nelson has offered her first statement to her fans since announcing that she was leaving Little Mix, thanking them for their love and support.
The 29-year-old singer confirmed earlier this week that she was leaving the group after having taken an extended break for personal reasons.
Now, for the first time since her official announcement, she has sent an emotional message to her fans.
Read more: Jesy Nelson opens up on panic attack during Live Lounge performance
She posted on Instagram: “I just want to say thank you so much to everyone of you that has shown me so much love and support over the past few days.
“Some of your messages have made me feel so emotional and I appreciate it so much.
“Love you all.”
Watch: Jesy Nelson ‘ready to embark on a new chapter’ after leaving Little Mix
Nelson had spent nine years in the girlband which was formed on and won The X Factor, but said that being in the spotlight had begun to take its toll on her mental health.
Announcing her decision to leave on Monday, she wrote: "The truth is recently being in the band has really 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.
Read more: Little Mix criticise The X Factor for being ‘unauthentic’
"There comes a time in life when we need to reinvest in taking care of ourselves rather than focusing on making other people happy, and I feel like now is the time to begin the process.
"I need to spend some time with the people I love, doing thing 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."
Nelson had been absent from a number of performances with her bandmates Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, as well as the final episode of their TV music contest Little Mix: The Search.
She was said to be taking time out for “private medical reasons” and her co-stars have since said that they are all supportive of her decision and wish her well.
Earlier in the year, Nelson’s documentary Odd One Out, where she opened up about the cyberbullying she had suffered during her time in Little Mix, won the Best Factual prize at the National Television Awards.
Watch: Jesy Nelson thanks fans for their support after Little Mix exit
