Former Little Mix star Perrie Edwards has offered a rare insight into her turbulent past, opening up about her 'hellish' 2015 split from then-fiancé Zayn Malik and the complexities of her relationship with ex-bandmate Jesy Nelson. Speaking on the Great Company podcast with Jamie Laing, Edwards detailed the profound emotional impact of her breakup with the former One Direction singer, describing a period marked by an inability to eat or sleep, coupled with feelings of abandonment and inadequacy.
Edwards, who met Malik while both were competing on The X Factor in 2012 and was engaged to him for two years, recounted the intense public scrutiny surrounding their separation. She expressed that the situation was exacerbated by the perception that 'the world was then looking at me, laughing at me,' especially as Malik swiftly moved on to a relationship with model Gigi Hadid. Edwards suggested an 'overlap' in their relationships, pointing to Malik's hit solo single 'Pillowtalk,' which she believes was written about her despite Hadid featuring in the music video. This, she stated, was 'the nail in the coffin' for her.
Beyond her personal heartbreak, Edwards also addressed her professional relationship with Jesy Nelson, who departed Little Mix in 2020 citing mental health reasons. Edwards characterised Nelson as 'difficult' to work with, expressing frustration when 'the other person doesn't take accountability.' While acknowledging there might have been reasons for Nelson's behaviour, Edwards stressed the importance of recognising one's actions, stating, 'you can only pick somebody up so many f***ing times before you start losing track of your own sanity.' These comments echo previous statements made by Edwards in 2024 about the 'heartbreaking' rift between them.
Since Little Mix announced their hiatus in 2022, Edwards has embarked on a solo career, releasing her debut single 'Forget About Us' in April 2024 and her debut solo album 'Perrie' in September. The album features a collaboration with RAYE, whom Edwards lauded as 'the most talented human I've ever witnessed in the flesh.' Meanwhile, Zayn Malik has not yet publicly responded to Edwards' recent statements, with NME reportedly having reached out to his team for comment. Jesy Nelson announced her pregnancy with twins in January 2025 and underwent an emergency procedure in March 2025.
The candid revelations from Edwards provide a deeper understanding of the pressures faced by individuals in the public eye, particularly concerning personal relationships and professional dynamics within successful music groups. Her journey from the intense scrutiny of a high-profile breakup to launching a solo career highlights resilience in the face of significant personal and professional challenges.