Jesy Nelson withdraws from I'm A Celebrity over twin daughters' health

Jesy Nelson has withdrawn from her deal to appear on ITV's I'm A Celebrity.. Get Me Out Of Here!. The 35-year-old singer reportedly turned down a six-figure sum to join the upcoming series. Her decision comes as her twin daughters, Ocean and Story, are currently unwell.

Nelson gained national attention last March after giving birth prematurely to the twins. Both girls were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1. The condition means neither child is expected to walk. Nelson has used her platform to share the realities of caring for babies with SMA. She successfully lobbied the Government to implement universal newborn screening for the disease.

Producers had hoped to air the show in November, with Nelson set to be the first member of Little Mix to enter the jungle. She planned to use her appearance to continue her campaign for SMA awareness. Sources indicate she looked forward to the role because it offered a large audience for her message.

An insider told The Sun that Nelson pulled out with a heavy heart. The source noted that Nelson had already helped change Government policy regarding newborn testing. The show was to be the next step in spreading that message. The insider added that it was also a chance to show the public a different side of the singer.

Negotiations were reportedly going well in September. Producers were thrilled with the progress and hoped to secure her signature within weeks. Nelson informed ITV executives last month that she could not take part. She cited her family as her top priority during this difficult period.

ITV is keeping the door open for Nelson in future series. A spokesperson stated that the network is supporting her throughout the process. Other names rumored for this year's lineup include Wayne Rooney, Nadiya Bychkova, Ben Stokes, and Ricky Wilson. The show traditionally runs for three weeks in November from Australia's Gold Coast.

Nelson rose to fame after winning The X Factor in 2011. She formed Little Mix with Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Perrie Edwards, and Jade Thirlwall. She left the group in 2020. She recently ended her engagement to Zion Foster, the father of her twins, after being engaged for nearly a year.