Jesy Nelson on Finding Herself and Feeling Free After Leaving Little Mix | Happy Place Podcast

As part of Little Mix, Jesy Nelson felt others were constantly comparing her to her bandmates. Jesy thought at the time that the music industry would only focus on music but unfortunately, appearance matter as much as talent and she was under too much pressure being part of a girl band, which led her to self-esteem problems and depression.
In this chat with Fearne, Jesy Nelson who is about to release her first solo single says she is happier than she has been in years. Focusing on herself, on her music, away from the spotlight and the prejudices of people on social media have helped her to regain the confidence she thought she had lost and Jesy is ready to start a new chapter in her life.
Jesy's first solo single, Boyz, is out on October 8th.
Jesy Nelson is an English singer who rose to prominence as a member of the British girl group Little Mix. They became the first group to win the British version of The X Factor, and would go onto become one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.
Follow Jesy Nelson on Instagram: / jesynelson
You can pre-order Fearne’s new book Speak Your Truth here: amzn.to/2HwAkek
Listen to the Happy Place podcast here podfollow.com/happyplace or you can watch it on KZbin here: bit.ly/3pSerHr
ABOUT HAPPY PLACE
Fearne's HAPPY PLACE is a place to celebrate honesty, authenticity and community. Fearne delves into life, love, loss and everything in-between by chatting to inspiring individuals who have made a change in their own lives or help other people to find different ways of seeing life as she reveals what happiness means to them.
Happy Place is a space that is safe for all where difference is celebrated and the extraordinary is discovered. A place to focus on the positives and to help you find the joy every day - big or small.
Still haven't subscribed to Fearne Cotton's Happy Place on KZbin? ► bit.ly/371zqza
ABOUT FEARNE COTTON
Fearne Cotton is an English television and radio presenter, mother, broadcaster, writer and founder of Happy Place, a place where Fearne holds difficult but important conversations to encourage self-care and self-appreciation, creating a positive impact on the world, giving everyone a voice and actively listening.
CONNECT WITH FEARNE COTTON
Instagram: / fearnecotton
Facebook: / fearnecotton
Twitter: / fearnecotton
#FearneCotton #JesyNelson #jesynelsonboyz #jesynelsonsolosong #HappyPlace #happyplacepodcast #LittleMix #mentalhealthawareness #bodyshaming #fullinterview #interview

[@fearnecotton]

We hope you enjoy this chat. As always leave your comments below ❤️Also, don't forget you have another episode of Happy Place available on KZbin this week - with Dave Grohl 😯You can find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amKngKOEaJtphqc

[@loveandpeace_totheworld]

You are really lovely Fearne!! 💜

[@antonyfernandez9066]

I watched this because jesy is a hot topic atm but i found you to be the best part! i loved hearing all your stories and i could relate so much. Im so glad i found ur podcast now, iv subscribed! Btw i also loved ur documentary with Paris Hilton back in the day too :)))

[@shabnamkhan5966]

Love this chat not watched all of but totally amazing 2 great women beautiful ladies. Tbh i hate negativity bullying is horrible been through it but the best thing is be confident say to yourself im beautiful be bold dont care what anyone else thinks. People that put you down are either jealous or have nothing positive . ❤❤

[@aequanimitas]

It's been very meaningful to hear people talking about deep seated and destructive self loathing. And also the struggle to get better and to be gentler with ourselves. Thank you for being so open.

[@Dee-fu3hs]

Regardless of what people are saying, Jesy leaving a job that makes her unhappy but carrying on and finding something new that fulfils her is something many people struggle to do. Either out of fear of the unknown or of letting former colleagues/bosses down. She’s showing us that nothing is more important that your own happiness and well being and that you should always do whatever will make you happy.

[@westonding8953]

Absolutely

[@Dee-fu3hs]

@@markkkk4740 wasn’t little mix a job? She left it to work with a new team, company and do something different.

[@FAFash-wo9yg]

You better speak on it! She did what was best for her mental health! Those of us that understand this support her!

[@michellehorton8698]

@@markkkk4740 im hoping shes going to get new jobs after that music video and I hope there's a film coming

[@Janeylou70]

The trouble is most of us can't afford to take the risk of leaving a job. We have rent or mortgages to pay and children to support. Money is a huge factor for so many of us. But, ideally, I of course agree - we should all be able to do what makes us happy.

[@mickiesconcertarchive]

Putting herself first was the bravest thing she’s ever done. I am so incredibly proud of her.

[@mickiesconcertarchive]

@@helenwestwood7596 You need therapy, and a lot of it. Get well soon.

[@iyanuoriakhi4794]

Innit

[@amberleigh5804]

@@mickiesconcertarchive you said it better than i could

[@amanda_x2670]

@@helenwestwood7596 you need sectioned

[@thequeen3834]

Right just goes to show and prove money doesn’t provide happiness.

[@westonding8953]

You know, Jesy genuinely loved her band mates. She suffered so much for so long. We know her bandmates made difficult decisions as well. I hate that she went through so much pain and difficulties but you know there was true love between them. We are very proud of her and all well wishes and happiness to her!

[@powergirl4736]

❤

[@michellehorton8698]

They have all unfollowed each other its sad 10 years hopefully its because of fake fans. Jesy is away to the states I bet.

[@sierrawinand]

@@michellehorton8698 I truly don't understand why they did especially since Jesy has only been saying how amazing they are...🤦‍♀️Feeling weird about being a little mix fan right about now

[@mariastar8437]

More to her leaving than she’s making out . I believe the truth will come out and Jessy won’t be the victims she portrays herself to be

[@sierrawinand]

@@mariastar8437 Oh shut up. You don't know. Don't hate someone for something you made up.

[@tinaharris9782]

Go jesy..go be you live your life by your rules..leave lil mix behind its a new chapter..I'm proud of you.I know how insecure u felt bout being compared to skinny people..I love ya girl😍

[@kats4741]

Since I’ve been a child I’ve found it much easier to wallow in the sadness and misery because oddly enough, it’s comfortable. I’ve done in for so long that pushing myself to improve of feel better is alien and terrifying! It feels addictive to feel bad about myself. Love this talk. Thank you x

[@paulamangiola8492]

Jesy is so brave and powerful for doing this. Her music is going to be epic

[@westonding8953]

Agreed!

[@rowenar9272]

Let's be honest, deep inside the rest of them probably wanna do the same thing but don't have the guts for it. I wish them all the best, but everyone really need to leave Jesy alone.

[@paulamangiola8492]

@@rowenar9272 🎯 🎯

[@romatravellergirl3530]

Jesy you are lovely, so pleased to see you are happier. Fearne, you amazing, thank you for all you do ♥️

[@RebelRoyaltyX412]

Hands down my favorite Jesy interview. I’m not familiar with Fearne but she was the perfect person to have this conversation with our Jesy. This was beautiful and I’m so excited for the new chapter.

[@buttamilk3329]

Fearne is an iconic childrens/teenagers tv presenter that we (including jesy) grew up with, definitely a household name

[@michellehorton8698]

2 icons

[@myatthirihlaing8983]

Why she is so so cute like that. I can't stop love her. Can't wait for Boyz.

[@janicehales2958]

Without social media we wouldn't hear what others/strangers thought about what we did or how we looked. We could do our own thing our way and if you didn't like it then don't watch it! I grew up in the 70's (yes I'm old) and I had the best time. I dressed the way I wanted, I never worried if I was to fat or to thin or if I was pretty enough for other eyes. Only mine mattered! Now I look I old pics and laugh at how I looked sometimes back then. But it's ok, because I was confident at the time I did it. It's breaks my heart now that people can be so mean and say so many hurtful things about someone they don't even know. I think they are just really jealous and pitiful. I still don't care what a stranger thinks of me, only the ones who know and love me matter to me. Motto to live by, You be you. and I'll be me.

[@jesyhuns6382]

she truly deserve to be happy and I'm so happy that she's actually looking after herself now ❤️

[@HA-kw7vq]

These girls were manufactured and put together - when they auditioned, they auditioned as individuals. This is, as she said, her next step - to elevate and grow and do what makes you happy.

[@andray9415]

Jesy honestly helped me start the process of leaving my job, I shouldn't feel this depressed in my job, and I shouldn't feel this way so after 7years I'm leaving to start my next chapter. Thank you jesy 😍

[@oreo_orexx2232]

So happy 4 u

[@Dee-fu3hs]

So happy you’re making a change to better your life

[@EliasBunda]

You’re gonna do great! Whatever it is you do :)

[@michellehorton8698]

It's ok to look after you and its ok to be number one.

[@foodyfunk]

Go ahead, wish you luck my bud!

[@christinarabb2729]

The way that this became a conversation that discussed vulnerabilities and struggles with insecurity...this is amazing !! I absolutely adore it !! The way you both discussed personal struggles and coping mechanisms and the journey from the darkest of places to the light or a place where you are able to embrace the courage needed to fight and seek the light....this conversation is inspiring but also unique and singular and more people should be encouraged to have this conversation. Regardless of the potential blowback that is somewhat inevitable from social media sleuths....

[@JoeeM]

Everything She said was very true and so relatable to so many of us, Sometimes it takes different situations to make you think that it’s time for a change when you don’t feel happy doing something anymore ✌🏼❤️

[@dant3964]

Another wonderful conversation Fearne. You already know I’m a massive fan of you and the positive vibes you put out into the world. Jesy has been very brave to do what she has done and has absolutely made the right decision. I think many of us continue in our lives without dealing with underlying issues that are making us unhappy. Jesy should be commended for doing this under the celebrity spotlight. ❤️❤️

[@foodyfunk]

I love you my love. Go ahead. Success is yours, nobody can take that from you.

[@alano857]

Love Fearne, she just seems a genuine down to earth lovely girl

[@KB-ey9qi]

Had a good cry on and off listening to you both, feel like you both are reading my mind at times and feeling the way I feel. You are both amazing talented and such an inspiration and I felt ur pain iv been through pain and just thankyou for this. Much love to you both x

[@dani_hmd_228]

what an honest conversation! enjoyed every bit of it 🤍✨

[@rashad4144]

Isn't jesy such a queen ? I literally wanna give her the biggest hug 💕

[@auroramarieclaire4898]

I almost cried when you mentioned that you noticed Jesy's face lighting up and just beaming with joy. And then she laughed so genuinely I don't think I've heard her laugh so gladly before. After being unhappy for a long time she definitely deserves all the joy, freedom and happiness. Love her!

[@patrickcleary6315]

Jesy is so open and honest and has nothing but LOVE for the girls. I can't wait to watch this new chapter of hers.

[@scattered9brain]

This is got to be one of my favorite interviews of all time I came here for Jes but the interviewer was vulnerable as well Love you both

[@sammurray327]

This was absolutely wonderful Fern. I felt a real connection between the two of you and a sense that you both felt really seen and heard. It's insane that lovely women like you and Jesy get/got so much abuse, but I think a lot of it is them wanting to be seen and acknowledged, no matter how low they feel they need to go, to get that acknowledgement. I think what you did was clever, when you addressed that one person who was being mean. Speaking to them on a human level, with kindness, rather than counter attack, disarmed them. I've seen that happen a few times on Twitter. Not that it will always work, but as long as you stay classy you can keep your head held high. Thank you for this.

[@fiercegifs]

This was a great watch, not only as a Jesy fan but also the dialogue on mental health.

[@kentanggoreng9937]

Her LAUGH SO SOFT I MISS YOU SO MUCH JESMINDA

[@itsjustjordaann]

This woman is so important I hope she knows this.

[@kaceyrayhauerkingvevo]

Strong Beautiful Jesy I Can't Wait To Hear Your New Music, JN1 Is On Top Of My Christmas List

[@theKocka]

What a great conversation, from start to finish, on both ends! And Jesy...she knows how much love I have for her and no matter how hard it was at the breaking point, for her, us and the girls...it was the right decision.

[@daniellerobertson9687]

This is an amazing interview. Probably the best one I’ve seen with Jesy so far! The fact that she is so happy now and can be her true self makes my heart happy 💖

[@ivanaa5808]

I say the same thing a million times but I really feel so proud of Jes, she's a really brilliant person and brave, I mean, put herself first is so so so powerful, well done. ❤️❤️

[@gemmaanderson5605]

Jessie is so beautiful, I'm so glad shes putting her own happiness first, I love her new song and cant wait to hear more

[@honeydew1678]

People keep saying she’s blackfishing but she’s literally the same colour as this other woman. It’s crazy how much people want to hate on her. They even make things up now. So sad. Amazing woman with a great heart. I wish her best in her career!

[@michellehorton8698]

She's darker than Nikki in the video but its not just colour im not hating im just saying what the article is saying but I think its the grill ( I don't know what one of them are) and then saying she didn't get this in little mix she did. She just needs to say ok hands up im sorry but she didn't say sorry. Again im not hating I hope she does well I don't like how shes saying little mix haven't done RnB but that's the only thing.

[@michellehorton8698]

Again im only picking at the article and peoples posts im glad her team are removing them.

[@grandmabaddie]

@@michellehorton8698 grill for video only. lol she dont wear it on a day to day. your just not getting the whole concept of the track and video . Just watch diddy's original music video. she is paying homage to the era of music she so loves . what is wrong with that? she got approval from both Puff and Nicki . To have both in video on your debut single is incredable and props to Jesy .

[@michellehorton8698]

@@grandmabaddie I don't know what a grill is. I feel for the lass I reckon shes always going to get something shes made herself a easy target and you find that people that don't stand up for themselves and hide then come out and stand up for themselves are first to get hurt shes a soft soul all little mix girls are that's why the record label don't brake America

[@sierrawinand]

AGREED THANK YOU I'm pretty sure she's even said she literally doesn't even fake tan... this is beyond insane

[@molls.d11]

i love this so much!! so so proud of you jesy, your amazing angel 🤍🥺

[@rachaelfry7780]

Loved this conversation!! When fearne spoke about being so self critical and negative towards herself, I totally related to that, it’s what I do! It helped me not feel alone!

[@mikeythorley5029]

Amazing interview. Thank you for talking about mental health we need more people like you in the world to spread the message that mental health is just as bad as physical health . 💓💓💓

[@dionnestonebridge5563]

I've always loved jesy,she's so relatable,down 2 earth n honest putting herself out there n doing what makes her truly happy brave beautiful women ❤💯

[@danielvillasboas1464]

It’s just amazing to see how happy Jesy is now! And I am sooo excited for this new chapter of her life

[@deehazleton9276]

Made my morning was so good to see Jesy so happy and doing what’s right for her agree with everything around mental health

[@LoL-dc7vm]

Ughh she's so adorable

[@AespaOutsold]

I’m so proud of her🥺❤️

[@estivrep2417]

I literally loved this, felt so identified

[@Justsomebody009]

Imagine being in a relationship for ten years, it’s so so hard to leave because it’s been that way for so long, you don’t know who you are without them anymore. This is how I imagine jesy felt. And it’s nothing bad about the other girls it’s just simply wasn’t doing it for jesy anymore.

[@jimmycordero8584]

I literally watched the entire interview, thing I have never done before! And it was just pretty amazing, this makes me love Jesy more and more because she's not just a beautiful face! She is a beautiful person and got feelings like all of us and as she says all we have to care about is it to be happy ✨

[@jesyhuns6382]

I'm so proud of her 😭❤️

[@reginesamuels2953]

I’m completely proud of her she so brave ,confident she took care of herself first and still keeps doing what she loves . Glad we on this journey with her in this new chapter in her life excited for boyz excited for more music to come she going incredible it’s going be a great journey she deserves nothing but love snd happiness she been through some difficulties an inspiration her honesty love her so much 💜💚💜❤️💙👑👑👑👑💙❤️❤️

[@badboyj373]

I love Jesy,she was my fav in Little Mix and now she's solo.Omg I'm about to scream when I wake up on this Friday😍🎧🔥🔥

[@rhythmictiger]

@42:40 that is absolutely mental that she had an overdose and then they had her do a music video the next week.

[@grandmabaddie]

thats how much the team cared for her 😞

[@catherinewardle5478]

These conversations are so important! Love listening to other peoples stories especially two open and authentic women. Thanks Fern and Jessy🙏

[@beautybybecci7788]

So lovely to see her happy ❤️

[@jesyhuns6382]

she's so adorable ❤️

[@gemsibob]

Came across this video cos I'm a Jesy fan but this channel is AMAZING. 🥰

[@angelanicolesajul1178]

we love you, Jessica ❤😭

[@bookwormswriter1078]

Fearne you and jesy inspire and remind me to be more open and speak out. Be authentic. Love your books speak your truth and calm. I do have quiet but I still am reading calm.

[@midnightsky9985]

Thank you so much for doing this episode, and discussing such an important topic. We can never talk enough about mental health especially in this modern world. The fact that all of this is happening now, the amount of hate, bullying, death threats....makes me afraid of the future. Because if this is what's happening now, what will happen in the future?

[@jillypants9135]

Absolutely loved this conversation! I love Jesy and love that she is in a better place. I totally empathise with both of you as i am exactly the same mentally but its amazing that she has put herself first and living her dream. You are both amazing humans and your truth has helped so many people get help. You are both so beautiful inside and out. We have to learn to love ourselves and brake this stigma that loving ourselves is egotistical. I am doing that now with the help of meditation and i am doing courses to help others do the same. Anyway thanks for such a raw and honest conversation. Beautiful humans 😘😘. Love and light ✨✨✨✨

[@katherinemyers1964]

I am so incredibly happy for her and for the happiness she has finally found for herself! Just need to say, I am in love with her hair!

[@anihovsepyan888]

And the interviewer is so sweet! Everyone should be like her!❤

[@jesynelsonfan9775]

She is so brave so strong woman I’m so proud of her ❤️❤️💕

[@maddiemover5894]

What an amazing interview. Such a real discussion about mental health.

[@homedesigninteriors-course1053]

Life is so much easier when your aligned with your truth, and foing what you love. Great interview..

[@TheDeadofNightAmbience]

What a lovely conversation. So real and deep. I love this place!!

[@NickName-di3wp]

She looks and sounds great!

[@Justsomebody009]

I saw Jesys post about stopping yourself from crying and it actually made me think, your right. I’ve never actually dealt with what was making me so upset I was just pushing it away… when your sad sometimes you just have to sit in it and deal with it

[@janetw1946]

Just bumped into this. Now subscribed... brilliant interview

[@zoemanning7477]

I loved this so much, I love happy Jesy it makes me so happy, I genuinely felt anxiety when jesy wasn't OK, you could see how unhappy she was u only had to look in her eyes to see that n now real jesy is back n she's doing her thing on her terms n the happiness in her eyes & smile n its beautiful to see😊i love jesy so much n she deserves this happiness🙏🏽😁❤

[@originalindiechick7999]

Love this interview! I can relate to the self-loathing spiral. When you’re in that hole it’s so hard to get out of it x

[@littleblondie1990]

Loved this! Strong women supporting eachother and telling their truth! Love to see people spreading positivity instead of hate! ❤️

[@westonding8953]

You know on a much smaller scale of thought, when I was younger, I was in a classical choir where we only sang “classical” or folk music. I can’t say I liked it and I definitely don’t think I have any “incredible memories”. Either way, when I left and found the world of pop music and culture, I realized how much I had missed and was mad with them and their views. Today, I just can’t bear the thought of excluding pop culture and music from someone’s experience. I don’t think this compares in any way to Jesy’s experience given that she does have some incredible memories that changed her life but it is something that came to mind.

[@krsnamercurio2453]

she's adorableee

[@elisebrothwell6532]

Fantastic interview loved it 🥰🥰

[@PerrieXO]

Regardless of what anyone is saying, Jesy prioritizing herself is a good thing and even if it might hurt not seeing her being a part of Little Mix her mental state was in a crisis and the LM team not caring enough for her well being was making it worse. We could've lost Jesy to a freaking overdose years ago, I'm glad she is still here and is feeling a lot more happier now. I can tell she is genuienly excited and happy by looking at her face...so so PROUD of you Jesy

[@Emma-sk7ge]

Thank you ladies for addressing such important topics. Really enjoyed it :) I'm glad Jessy has found happiness again 😊

[@LileLoveIt]

I really don't understand how people can sit there and wanted her to stay in a job that makes her unhappy and causes her trauma. I never read the first statement like she wouldn't continue music. And even if that was her mindset then that doesn't mean she cant change her mind when she sees wow that career can actually work for me. As the "fat" friend in my friend groups since Im younger I understand her so well with all the comparing. When I took a picture with people I was always sad because I wasnt as skinny as they where. Also being able to make the music you truly want to make is amazing for her. Im so happy for her!

[@jessinfinland1618]

i love this happy place channel content

[@ttp436]

Great interview ladies. Just to touch on the topic of people liking you or not. I am exactly the same. It gets to me. Because I try to treat people how I like to be treated. It just comes naturally to me. When its not reciprocated back I just don’t understand and it hurts. But I am slowly coming to realise that not everyone is going to like me and that’s ok. I just have to keep it moving and surround myself with positivity. Easier said than done. But hey we are all a work in progress.

[@chiara8822]

It's the same for me. It's sad but i'm trying to get better. Up until a year ago i was always blaming myself and i was miserable. :(

[@sammurray327]

@@chiara8822 There's nothing wrong with you and it's not always a matter of liking or not liking someone. Not everyone is going to be compatible. We all have preferences; food, music, films, taste in clothes, books and decor, etc, and that includes preferences for other people. It doesn't necessarily mean we don't like that person, just that we are more compatible with others.

[@ttp436]

@@chiara8822 People can be cruel

[@ttp436]

@@sammurray327 Yes be people can be cruel if your different

[@nathenburger1238]

I really loved this

[@IshMollyVlogs]

Loved it!

[@nqabakaziviwelufele9422]

she said "some songs in my album"yes! i can"t wait🙃🤗

[@lukewood8708]

What a beautiful lady, ladies ❤️ inside and out, such inspirations, keep doing what your doing 🙏💯❤️

[@tobistraumfabrik333]

amazing conversation

[@pearlr5701]

I get jesy feeling cus when I was in high school I was bullied by some classmates. And when I went into the room, I could feel the negative energy like I could feel it that people didn't want me to be there except my close friends but that wasn't enough to cheer me up.

[@amanda_x2670]

Amazing podcast ✨❤️

[@jaystel2381]

Amazing interview! Great questions and Jesy was so damn honest. Love it ❤️

[@anihovsepyan888]

I love you Jesy so bloody much❤❤❤

[@lubnaalhakeem3401]

I love Jesy whoever she is wherever she is whoever she wants to become be you queen

[@1Strawbz1]

Love u both ❤️

[@notatroll9934]

I love you jesy

[@MrLiaml1240]

I bloody love both of these inspirational women ❤️❤️❤️

[@kelsk6553]

Well done Jesy for speaking up, so incredibly brave.

[@janjannn05]

So excited for ur solo career. Hoping one day u reunite with lm

[@gorillanotion1024]

What an incredible interview. She listened to herself. Done what she needed. Left the rest. Awesome. Good for her! 👍👌

[@annettestephens7107]

Living your best life ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@brielleharmony7568]

I havnt seen fearne in ages she ages so well

[@grandmabaddie]

OMG i love this interview, kudos to fearne . Jesy is getting there. i am so proud of her. ive pre-ordered and paid for Boyz cd . cant wait for friday. We have to try and get it to no1 guys 💗

[@heatherkettles1385]

Really enjoyed this interview, I would love a conversation with fearne , I feel like she could help me with my own mental health struggles .. xx

[@MegaJordinary]

Love Jesy so much 🤍 the bravery she shows is so admirable , I love to see people follow their dreams & live their truth 🤍 I’m so excited for her new era 🤍🙏🏻

[@marlenerobinson2747]

Very wise and YESSSSSSS and YESSSSSSS live lifeeee✍🏽❤❤❤❤❤

[@joemarieacido9225]

Hearing Jesy's laugh on interview again really complete my day!💖🤗