Perrie Edwards has addressed the strained relationship she shared with Jesy Nelson during their tenure in Little Mix.
Speaking on the Great Company podcast hosted by Jamie Laing, Edwards discussed Nelson’s high-profile departure from the group in 2020. At the time of her exit, Nelson noted that her involvement with the group had negatively impacted her mental health.
Reflecting on those years, Edwards described working with Nelson as “difficult,” noting the frustration of dealing with a perceived lack of responsibility. “Sometimes you just won’t win with people,” Edwards remarked. “I don’t want to seem unkind, but what upsets me most is when the other person refuses to take accountability. That really frustrates me.”
While clarifying that she does not view Nelson as a villain, Edwards emphasized the importance of acknowledging one’s own role in interpersonal conflicts. She expressed that while there were reasons for the tensions, the emotional toll of repeatedly attempting to support someone who would not accept help was significant. “I thought I had done enough,” Edwards explained, adding that it was painful to hear Nelson claim a lack of support in subsequent interviews when she felt she had exhausted every effort to be there for her bandmate.
When asked about the possibility of reconciling, Edwards admitted that while she once hoped to mend the friendship, the subsequent documentary caused her to withdraw further. She noted that while she is capable of forgiveness, she has chosen to maintain her personal boundaries to protect her own well-being.
@greatcompanypodcast
“I thought I tried everything” Perrie Edwards opens up about her friendship breakup with Little Mix bandmate Jesy Nelson. Search ‘Perrie Edwards Great Company” on YouTube, Spotify or Apple for the full episode. @Perrie. @jamie #perriedwards #jesynelson #littlemix #friendship
♬ original sound – Great Company
In a 2024 interview with NME, Edwards reiterated how heartbreaking the rift between the former bandmates has been. She confirmed that the two have not been in contact for a long time, stating that while she wishes the outcome had been different, she accepts that people sometimes choose different paths.
Despite the eventual fallout, Edwards described her time in the award-winning group as the happiest period of her life, characterized by deep bonds, shared laughter, and mutual support throughout their decade together.
Since her departure from Little Mix, Nelson has navigated significant personal challenges. In early 2025, she announced she was expecting twins, followed by a medical emergency that required urgent intervention to ensure the babies’ survival. Her daughters were successfully born in May 2025.
In January 2026, Nelson shared that her daughters had been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare condition that affects muscle strength. She explained that the condition impacts various bodily functions, including movement and breathing, and noted that medical professionals indicated the children would face significant physical disabilities.
Nelson expressed her decision to share the diagnosis publicly in hopes of supporting other families facing similar circumstances, sharing her determination that her daughters will “defy all the odds.”
Recently, Nelson also made an urgent appeal for assistance after a vehicle containing essential medical equipment for her daughters was stolen.