Key Highlights
- Former Little Mix member Jesy Nelson has withdrawn from this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! to care for her twin daughters.
- Her daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1), a rare and severe genetic neuromuscular condition.
- Network broadcaster ITV has reportedly shown full support for Jesy Nelson’s decision, keeping the door open for future appearances.
Jesy Nelson Withdraws from I’m A Celebrity 2024 to Focus on Family
Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson, 35, has made the decision to step away from participating in this year’s edition of ITV’s reality series I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. The pop vocalist, who shares her twin daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe with ex-fiancé Zion Foster, has pulled out of the upcoming production in Australia to remain at home and care for her children amid ongoing health complications.
Nelson had publicly shared in January that both Ocean Jade and Story Monroe were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1). According to the NHS, SMA1 is a rare genetic condition that can cause muscle weakness
that gets worse over time
. Without vital and timely medical intervention, the life expectancy for infants diagnosed with the disease is estimated to be under two years.
Prior to her withdrawal, Nelson had looked forward to joining the cast in the Australian jungle this November, viewing the high-profile platform as an opportunity to amplify awareness regarding the condition. A source speaking to The Sun revealed: She has already helped change Government policy over testing newborns for the condition.
The insider further explained the difficult decision to leave the lineup: I’m A Celeb was going to be where she could spread her message even further, and show a side to her the public may not have seen before. It’s with a very heavy heart she has pulled out. Ocean and Story are unwell and there is no way Jesy would leave them. Her family are her priority. ITV have been amazing and are supporting her all the way.
The source added that ITV assured the singer that the door will always be left open for Jesy
.
Understanding Spinal Muscular Atrophy and the Fight for Her Daughters
Nelson, who departed Little Mix in 2020 citing mental health reasons, previously opened up about the emotional and physical realities of the twins’ condition during an appearance on the Great Company podcast. She expressed deep hope that her children would overcome the dire medical projections linked to their diagnosis.
Detailing the pathology of the neuromuscular disease on the podcast, Nelson shared: So spinal muscular atrophy is a muscular wasting disease, so they don’t have a gene that we all have in our body,
adding, Their muscles are now deteriorating and wasting away, and if you don’t get them treatment in time, eventually the muscles will all just die, which then affects the breathing, the swallowing, everything. And they will die before the age of two.
Emphasizing her determination to stay strong for her family, Nelson stated: It’s not okay, but it is what it is, and I just have to accept it, and now just try and make the best out of this situation. And my girls are the strongest, most resilient babies and I really believe that they are going to defy all the odds.
Rumoured Contestants for the Upcoming Series
News of Nelson’s exit arrives as anticipation mounts over the full casting announcement for the upcoming season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. A diverse group of prominent personalities has been linked to the camp ahead of the November launch, including Wayne Rooney, Ricky Wilson, Joanna Page, Chloe Burrows, Ade Adepitan, AJ Odudu, Su-Elise Nash, Christopher Dean, and professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova.
Addressing the widespread public speculation surrounding the official campmates, an ITV spokesperson told The Mirror: Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! are just speculation.
Why This Matters
Jesy Nelson’s public discussion surrounding SMA1 shines an essential spotlight on a critically underdiagnosed genetic disorder. SMA type 1 causes rapid motor neuron degeneration, impacting vital functions such as breathing and swallowing. Early diagnosis and modern gene-targeted medical interventions can dramatically alter outcomes for affected infants. Through her public advocacy, Nelson has pushed for broader systemic changes, including influencing UK government policy regarding newborn screening protocols to detect the condition as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesy Nelson pull out of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!?
Jesy Nelson stepped down from participating in the ITV series because her twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, are unwell, prompting her to stay home and focus entirely on caring for her family.
What is SMA1?
SMA1, or spinal muscular atrophy type 1, is a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. It stems from a missing or defective gene necessary for motor neurons, severely affecting movement, breathing, and swallowing.
Who else is rumoured to be participating in this year’s I’m A Celeb?
Speculated campmates reported for the upcoming season include Wayne Rooney, Ricky Wilson, Joanna Page, Chloe Burrows, Ade Adepitan, AJ Odudu, Su-Elise Nash, Christopher Dean, and Nadiya Bychkova, though ITV maintains that all proposed lineups remain speculation until officially confirmed.
