Jesy Nelson documentary scoops National Television Award

The Jesy Nelson documentary Odd One Out - where the Little Mix singer bared all about her struggles with body image and online trolling - has won the Factual Category at the National Television Awards.

The hour-long programme featured St Andrew's body-image specialist Liz Ritchie, who worked closely with Jesy to help her understand her toxic relationship with social media. As part of the programme, the pair discussed the “mask” that 28-year-old Jesy developed to withstand the spotlight. Part of this involved going over footage from The X Factor, which Jesy found to be a difficult experience, but ultimately empowering. The programme was very well received, becoming the top show on BBC iPlayer after its release, with 1.87 million requests within seven days. 

Jesy accepted the National Televison Award at London's O2 Arena, in front of a star-studded audience. As she collected her award she thanked everyone who voted, and her partner Chris for his ongoing support and for making her feel more confident.

Liz Ritchie explained: “When I first met Jesy I saw a real innate sadness. She had a degree of self-loathing; she felt that it was her fault, and that the persecution about her body image – something so deeply personal – was her own fault. It is a difficult process to challenge those negative thoughts, and it has taken Jesy a while to be able to see that.”

During her time with Jesy, Liz drew on her 30 years’ experience at St Andrew’s Healthcare, where she supports patients as they engage in meaningful dialogue regarding body image, gender, identity, dignity and self-worth. She urges other people struggling to ask for help.

“It’s imperative that young people stand up and say 'that happened to me’.

“There's nothing wrong with asking for help, nothing wrong with talking about it. If it stays in your head it just festers.

“With regards to the trolls, I think we need to call these people out, and say that really we don't want this as part of our social media culture.”

Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out is available on BBC iPlayer. 

Have you been affected by Jesy’s story?

If you are struggling with your mental health or been affected by Jesy’s programme, there is lots of help available:

Emergency help

If you are in an emergency and there is a risk to life – (either your own, or another person’s) – then please call 999.

Help in a crisis - call the Samaritans

The confidential Samaritans helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The helpline is free to call – just dial 116 123 (in the UK or Republic of Ireland). You do not have to be suicidal to call the Samaritans, and the trained volunteers can help whatever your age, and whatever is worrying you. If you do not need instant help, you can also e-mail the Samaritans on jo@samaritans.org.