Chris Hughes supports ex-girlfriend Jesy Nelson’s decision to quit Little Mix: ‘It puts pressure on everything’

Nelson left the band last December, citing the toll being in the group had taken on her mental health

Love Island star Chris Hughes has come out in support of his ex-girlfriend, Jesy Nelson, and her decision to quit Little Mix in 2020.

Nelson quit Little Mix in December, following weeks of speculation about her future with the group. She later explained on social media that she had decided to leave the band due to the toll pop stardom had taken on her mental health.

“There comes a time in life when we need to reinvest in taking care of ourselves rather than focusing on making other people happy, and I feel like now is the time to begin that process,” she wrote.

Hughes, who split from Nelson in April last year, told MailOnline: “All that stuff, it puts pressure on you and puts pressure on everything and you’ve got to do what’s right for you.

“I feel like career-wise it’s nothing really to do with me but as a whole it’s so important, you’ve got to look after yourself and focus on yourself and I’m sure she will do well with whatever industry she decides to go down.”

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Hughes said he thinks Nelson will “smash it” when she launches her solo career.

Last month, Nelson sparked speculation that she is working on solo music following her exit from Little Mix.

On 17 February, the singer shared an Instagram story of herself in the studio accompanied by monkey emojis.