Jesy Nelson has spoken out for the first time since announcing she was leaving Little Mix.
Jesy, 29, revealed she would be leaving the band on Monday evening, after she was missing from several appearances and went on an "extended break".
Little Mix also shared the news on Twitter and said: "After an amazing nine 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 explained her decision in more detail saying she'd been struggling with her mental health during her time in the group - reports Chronicle Live.
Jesy shared a lengthy statement to Instagram and said: "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."
The news led to an outpouring of support from Little Mix fans despite being heartbroken at the news.
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And now Jesy has returned to social media to thank her followers for their support since her announcement.
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 won her a NTA earlier this year.
