Little Mix star Perrie Edwards cut a sombre figure as she stepped out in Cheshire on Thursday, marking her first public outing since Jesy Nelson quit the group.
The Move songtress, 27, looked deep in thought as she strolled with friends to lunch in Tier 2 Cheshire, just days after the announcement that Jesy, 29, had left the group for the sake of her mental health.
Perrie donned a chic black dress, white knee-high boots and a black coat for her outing.
End of an era: Little Mix star Perrie Edwards cut a sombre figure as she stepped out in Cheshire on Thursday, marking her first public outing since Jesy Nelson quit the group
She accessorised with a small white handbag and gold earrings as she spoke with friends.
Keeping to COVID-19 precautions, the star donned a black face mask before entering the restaurant.
The outing marked the first time any of the three remaining Little Mix members had been seen since Jesy revealed she was leaving after nine years.
Jesy announced her departure from Little Mix on Monday night in a lengthy Instagram post, three weeks after it was confirmed she’d be taking an extended break from the band.
Changing times: The Move songtress, 27, looked deep in thought as she strolled with friends to lunch in Tier 2 Cheshire, just days after the announcement that Jesy, 29, had left the group for the sake of her mental health
Style: Perrie donned a chic black dress, white knee-high boots and a black coat for her outing
Keeping her spirits up: Perrie was seen chatting to a friend as she walked down the road
Exit: Perrie, along with fellow Little Mix members Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock have confirmed they will continue the group
She wrote: ‘To all my Mixers, the past nine years in Little Mix has been the most incredible time of my life. We have achieved things I never thought possible. From winning our first Brit Award to our sold out shows at the O2.
‘Making friends and fans all over the world I can’t thank you all enough from the bottom of my heart for making me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. You have always been there to support and encourage me and I will never ever forget it.
‘The truth is recently being in the band has really taken a toll on my mental health. I find the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations very hard.
Goodbye: Jesy announced she had quit the group earlier this week
‘There comes a time in life when we need to reinvest in taking care of ourselves rather than focusing on making other people happy, and I feel like now is the time to begin that process.
‘So after much consideration and with a heavy heart, I’m announcing I’m leaving Little Mix.’
Jesy emotionally added: ‘I need to spend some time with the people I love, doing things that make me happy. I’m ready to embark on a new chapter in my life – I’m not sure what it’s going to look like right now, but I hope you’ll still be there to support.
‘I want to say thank you to everyone involved in our journey. All the hard work and dedication that went into making us a success.
‘To every single fan who came to see us in concert, who listened to our songs and sung their hearts out, sent me messages and supported me along the way I want you to know I love you all so much and I could never have done this without you and I appreciate it endlessly.
‘Most of all I want to say thank you to Jade, Perrie and Leigh-Anne for creating some of the most amazing memories I’ll never forget. I hope that you’ll continue to fulfil all of your dreams and keep on making music that people love. Love Jesy x.’
Emotional: She shared a heartfelt statement where she revealed she wants to focus on things that make her ‘happy’
Following her announcement, Jesy proceeded to unfollow Little Mix’s manager Samantha Cox, who still follows other members of the band.
She’s also removed any mention of Little Mix from the top of her Instagram profile, replacing it with an email address.
Perrie, Jade Thirlwall, 27, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 29, admitted it was an ‘incredibly sad time’ for the band but they ‘fully support’ Jesy’s decision.
Fans were left devastated over the news as they sent their best wishes to both Jesy and the band in emotional messages.
While several celebrities, such as Dermot O’Leary and Frankie Bridge, reached out on the post to support Jesy as they praised the star for her ‘brave’ decision.
Little Mix also confirmed that they would be remaining as a trio, saying that they are ‘not ready for it to be over’.
Last month, Little Mix’s representative announced Jesy would be taking an ‘extended break’ from the band due to ‘private medical reasons.’ Jesy has been a member of the band since their formation on The X Factor in 2011.
The singer missed the final of her BBC reality series with the band, Little Mix The Search, and also pulled out of hosting the MTV EMAs.
The Little Mix girls had been due to host and perform at the 27th edition of one of the biggest nights in global music – the 2020 MTV EMAs – on November 8.
A statement released to MailOnline read at the time: ‘Jesy is unwell and will not be appearing on tonight’s final of Little Mix The Search.
Only recently, it was claimed that Little Mix are reportedly planning to pursue solo careers.