Jesy Nelson has reportedly withdrawn from a six-figure deal to appear on "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" to prioritize the care of her twin daughters, who have been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1. Nelson's daughters, Ocean and Story, were diagnosed in January 2026, a condition that causes progressive muscle weakness. The diagnosis means the twins may never walk and require specialized equipment for breathing and feeding.
Nelson, who rose to fame with the girl group Little Mix after their 2011 X Factor win, has spoken candidly about her past struggles with insecurity, online trolling, and mental health challenges during her time in the band. She left Little Mix in 2020, citing the pressures of fame.
Since her daughters' diagnosis, Nelson has dedicated herself to campaigning for better healthcare and awareness for SMA. This advocacy has included liaising with politicians and visiting Downing Street. In July 2026, it was announced that SMA Type 1 screening tests would be rolled out across the entire UK, a significant milestone resulting from her campaigning efforts. However, the rollout initially faced challenges, with some areas of England not included in the early stages, which Nelson described as a "postcode lottery."
In August 2026, Nelson shared joyful updates on her daughters' health, announcing the removal of their feeding tubes after surgery. She described seeing their faces again as feeling "like a dream." Despite these positive developments, Nelson has revealed that her daughters have had subsequent hospital visits, though details were not immediately disclosed.
A source close to Nelson told The Sun that while she was initially excited about the "I'm a Celebrity" opportunity as a platform for her campaigning, her children's well-being is paramount. "There is no way Jesy would leave them," the source stated. ITV has reportedly been supportive of her decision, leaving the door open for future opportunities.