Little Mix star Perrie Edwards expresses regret over relationship with Jesy Nelson

Former Little Mix star Perrie Edwards has revealed a lack of communication with ex-bandmate Jesy Nelson, stating "We don't talk and haven't done for a long time, It's really sad, it's heartbreaking."

The 31-year-old singer expressed her regret to Cosmopolitan over the way things unfolded after Nelson, 33, left the group in 2020 due to mental health concerns.

Little Mix was formed in 2011 when Edwards, Nelson, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock auditioned as solo artists for the X Factor. They were eventually grouped together following several unsuccessful attempts during the show's bootcamp phase.

The band achieved significant success, selling an estimated 60 million records worldwide, securing five UK number-one singles and seven UK top 10 albums. They initially continued without Nelson before taking a break in 2022.

Discussing her relationship with Nelson, Edwards said: "But sometimes these things happen and people decide they want to part ways, and that's absolutely fine. I would rather it went differently, but you can't control how things go."

Edwards, who became a mother to son Axl in 2021, spoke about finding the "confidence" to perform alone after the band's hiatus. She compared the transformative experience of going solo to that of becoming a mother, saying: "Having a baby changes you completely, and going solo has as well. I've had to find an inner confidence to do it on my own, without the girls as a comfort blanket."

Edwards has unveiled the singles Forget About Us and Tears in 2024, with plans to launch her debut solo album.

The Black Magic vocalist also opened up about her mental health struggles, revealing that her anxiety is "probably the worst it's ever been". Edwards confessed: "It started to consume me, It's horrible."

"I try to speak out about it, because when you feel so anxious or scared of panic attacks. It makes you feel so isolated."

"It stops your everyday life because you try to avoid situations where you might have one, even though you can't predict it."

"I have therapy and coping mechanisms. You can never get rid of it, so you have to learn to live with it."

Edwards also acknowledged the support from her fiance, Besiktas footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, during challenging times.

She added: "He's just the best person I've ever met in my entire life. I'm obsessed with him, and so content in my relationship."

"He's so supportive, well-natured and everything I've ever wanted. He's also the funniest person I've ever met. I could cry when I talk about him, I love him so much."

The singer admitted she had been browsing wedding dresses online, but was not rushing into marriage.

Edwards said: "I want a bit more time to plan and enjoy it. I don't want to do it on top of releasing an album and being a mum. I want to enjoy the process. I like being engaged."