This Pop Star Has Gone Through A 10-Year Transformation That Has Fans Doubting Her Identity

Jesy Nelson drew the adoration of millions of fans as a member of pop band Little Mix. But she’s come under fire for exhibiting a series of bold new looks that have left fans open-mouthed. Her ever-evolving style has mostly attracted admiration from followers on social media. Now, though, even her most devoted fans are starting to wonder exactly what’s going on with the “Boyz” singer.

Will the real Jesy Nelson please stand up?

Nelson’s always been a style chameleon. And she’s been open about her struggles with her appearance. The British star discussed those issues, including how she’d been affected by internet trolls, in the 2019 documentary Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out. The singer’s honesty was applauded by many fans — but a recent dramatic transformation has got people asking: who’s the real Jesy Nelson?

Aspiring actress

The London-born singer’s come a long way in the past decade. As a young girl growing up in East London, at first she dreamed of becoming an actress. Nelson trained at the reputable Yvonne Rhodes and Sylvia Young Theatre schools, before going on to score a couple of minor movie parts. Yes — if you squint, you can spot her as a background extra in the 2002 hit rom-com About a Boy.

Making movies

“I was in About A Boy — you can see my little round head,” the star explained during a 2020 Australian radio interview. And it’s true! During the memorable scene in which the movie’s titular “boy” Marcus performs at his school talent contest, look closely and you’ll spot Nelson in the audience. And that’s not all: the former Little Mix member was an extra in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, too.

The X Factor

It was in 2011 when Nelson got her big break, though. After trying out for the British version of The X Factor, the singer failed to make it through to the final stages as a solo performer. But the judges eventually decided to place Nelson, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall into a group. And Little Mix was born.