Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson applauded by Radio 1’s Clara Amfo after panic attack

Radio 1 presenter Clara Amfo took a moment on air today to praise Little Mix for displaying a strong image of sisterhood after Jesy Nelson suffered a panic attack live on air.

On Tuesday, 29-year-old Jesy became overwhelmed and burst into tears after her nerves got the better of her during the radio gig.

The singer was left unable to perform, but was helped by her caring bandmates Perri Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall who all stepped in to comfort the stressed star.

But the ordeal touched Clara, as she gushed over how Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall came together after their bandmate became overwhelmed.

Speaking on air today, an emotional Clara told listeners: “I just want to say, big up to Little Mix. I think we can all agree that Little Mix must be protected at all costs.

“Yesterday you may have noticed, that the gap between hearing the latest single and the cover was a little longer than usual, and Jesy’s been very open and very honest about why that was.”

Clara went on to explain what happened and how the girls came together and showed complete unity.

Clara continued: “She, in her own words, said ‘look rehearsals, my nerves got the better of me today, so I had a panic attack right before we were about to sing for the Live Lounge. And like a pro, Perrie Edwards jumped in for my part last minute, and she smashed it. This is what we originally did in rehearsals’.”

She added: “That was Jesy speaking about the version of Falling that Little Mix intended to do on the show yesterday.”

Clara went on to get a little deeper, emphasising that fans often believe celebrities aren’t going through the same things – stating that this is in fact a misconception.

She explained: “I just want to stress, and what I really think they need to be bigged-up for, is that those four women are as thick as thieves.

“What I saw yesterday was a great example of real sisterhood and them just showing why they’re such a great band.”

Clara added: “They really came through for each other and they switched up the arrangement in a matter of minutes, and they sang beautifully.

“I really respect Jesy for being transparent about what she’s going through, because as music fans, and as people that consume pop culture, I think we still have this element of thinking that people’s lives are perfect just because they’re really well-known or might make a lot of money and be famous.

“I think we can wrongly assume that everything’s just okay all the time, and sometimes it’s not. So, big up to Jesy for being so honest, and big up to them as a unit for coming through like champs yesterday.”

Earlier today, BBC Radio One gushed over brave Jesy by posting an encouraging comment under a video she shared explaining what happened during the live set.

“You absolutely smashed it! We love having you in the Live Lounge”, the supportive comment read.

Clara also cheered on Jesy when she penned: “What I saw today was TRUE sisterhood, salute to you Jesy for your transparency with your fans and to your girls. You’re ALWAYS welcome.”

Little Mix were performing their newest single Holiday during the show when Jesy became immensely emotional.

Following her public panic attack, the cameras filming their performance live on the radio show were suddenly turned off.

Despite her vulnerable state, brave Jesy returned to finish the rest of the set with her girls.

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