An emotional Jesy Nelson has spoken out for the first time since it was announced she was leaving Little Mix to thank fans for their support.
After she was absent from a number of high profile appearances and on "an extended break" from the band, the world's biggest girl group announced on social media early on Monday evening that the 29-year-old had decided to leave them, writing: "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."
"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.
"We are still very much enjoying our Little Mix journey and the 3 of us are not ready for it to be over."
Jesy then took to Instagram to say: "The past nine years in Little Mix has been then most incredible time of my life.
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."
After being silent since then, Jesy shocked fans by returning to Instagram on Thursday with a message of thanks for them on her story.
She wrote: "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."
Jesy has been very open about her struggles with mental health, winning high praise for her candid documentary Odd One Out, which saw her open up about her attempt to take her own life.
The BBC programme one her a NTA earlier this year.
