Date: October 25, 2023
In a heartfelt revelation from an excerpt of her upcoming memoir, titled Believe, Little Mix member Leigh-Anne Pinnock opened up about the band’s struggle and healing process after fellow bandmate Jesy Nelson’s abrupt exit in 2020. Published in The Sun newspaper, Pinnock’s memoir sheds light on the emotional turbulence experienced by the group and the therapeutic journey they undertook to cope with the loss.
Nelson’s departure from the award-winning group was marked by her candid acknowledgment of the toll that the band’s lifestyle had taken on her mental health. In Pinnock’s words, losing a member was a “traumatic experience” that left the remaining trio – Pinnock, Perrie Edwards, and Jade Thirlwall – grappling with profound sadness. Pinnock revealed that therapy became their lifeline, helping them process the whirlwind of emotions that followed Nelson’s departure.
“We were a family, the four of us were like sisters, and we had been that way since we were teenagers, so it’s not an over-exaggeration to say that losing a member was a traumatic experience. When you have felt so much love and support with another person over such a long time and then that suddenly disappears, you never fully get to understand why it hurts,” Pinnock expressed in her memoir.
Acknowledging the therapeutic impact, Pinnock stated, “Therapy helped me, helped all of us, process what had happened and manage the emotions that came with it. All of that messiness is now so far behind me that it’s not even worth commenting on.” Through this challenging period, the bond between the remaining members grew even stronger as they leaned on each other for support.
Reflecting on the tough times that followed Nelson’s exit, Pinnock revealed the online backlash she faced after giving birth to twins, describing it as one of the most difficult moments in her career. Amidst hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, and the challenges of new motherhood, Pinnock found herself caught in a storm of online criticism. However, the unconditional support from her bandmates, who understood her struggles, helped her navigate through the difficult phase.
Little Mix, initially formed on The X Factor in 2011, soared to fame with five UK number-one singles. Despite the challenges faced, the group continued as a trio after Nelson’s departure in December 2020, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Pinnock’s memoir promises an intimate glimpse into the life of one of the UK’s most beloved girl groups. Scheduled for release on Thursday, the book is expected to resonate with fans and readers alike, offering a powerful narrative of resilience, friendship, and the healing power of unity.
