NEWS
Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson has asked the public for help after her car, which had vital medical equipment for her daughters inside, was taken.
The singer shared back in January that her twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, had been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), an uncommon genetic illness that leads to gradual muscle weakness.
She has spoken honestly about how difficult it has been adjusting to caring for her children, and has since used her platform to raise awareness for SMA. On Sunday (April 19), she explained that some of the key equipment she relies on to care for her daughters is now missing after her vehicle was stolen from outside her home.
Posting on her Instagram Stories, Nelson said her black Land Rover Defender with the registration JJ73SSY was taken from her driveway “in the early hours of the morning” in Brentwood, Essex.
“Please if any of you have seen or know of any information, can you DM me or contact the police,” she wrote. “I have so much of my girls’ hospital equipment in that car that’s really needed.”
When she first opened up about her daughters’ diagnosis in January, she described it as “the most gruelling three, four months and endless appointments”, before confirming doctors had told her the twins have “SMA type 1”.
“It does affect every muscle in the body, down to legs, arms, breathing, swallowing,” she said, adding that both daughters were having trouble feeding and were unable to move their legs freely.
Nelson also shared that doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital told her the girls were “probably never going to be able to walk. They probably will never regain their neck strength, so they will be disabled.”
In April, she marked a major step forward after the government confirmed that newborn screening for SMA will begin in October this year, earlier than the originally planned 2027 rollout. “We need to keep pushing to make sure every baby has the opportunity to have this heel prick test at birth,” she said.
According to the charity SMA UK, around 47 babies in the UK were born with the condition in 2024, while about one in 40 people are believed to carry the gene linked to the disease.
Nelson left Little Mix in 2020, explaining that being part of the group had taken a “toll” on her mental health. She later launched her solo career with her debut single ‘Boyz’ featuring Nicki Minaj in 2021, followed by ‘Bad Thing’ in 2023.
NEWS
Eric Hutchinson is finally making his way back to Australia after a 16 year absence, with three East Coast theater dates locked in for November. The shows will also mark his first headline tour across the country.
The short run will begin at Brisbane's Lefty's Music Hall on Nov. 19 before heading to Melbourne's Northcote Social Club on Nov. 20. It wraps up in Sydney with a performance at The Lansdowne on Nov. 21.
Hutchinson's connection with Australia has always been a unique one. His breakthrough in the country came after his song "Rock & Roll" was featured on the Australian drama Packed to the Rafters, helping the track earn platinum certification and climb to No. 1 in 2009. He previously visited Australia as a support act for Jason Mraz and Kelly Clarkson during tours in 2008 and 2009, but he never had the chance to return with a headline show of his own.
"I honestly have no idea why I never came back to Australia, other than the fact that it's super far away from New York City, where I live," he said in a statement, adding that the timing finally aligned after years of fan requests.
Back in the United States, the success of "Rock & Roll" followed a different path. The song became Hutchinson's first gold certified single in the country, although it did not enter the Hot 100. The album Sounds Like This originally found its audience as an independent release after a Perez Hilton endorsement helped it climb to No. 5 on the iTunes Store in September 2007. It later debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart before receiving a broader release through Warner Bros. Records in May 2008. Since then, Hutchinson has continued putting out new albums while growing a loyal fanbase through consistent touring.
The Australian dates are in support of Hutchinson's latest album, the 2026 release Repeating Myself, which has been described as a return to the piano driven pop and soul style that first introduced him to many listeners. Fans can also expect to hear familiar favorites including "Rock & Roll," "OK, It's Alright With Me" and "A Little More."
Marshall Hamburger, winner of the tenth season of Australian Idol in 2025, has been announced as the opening act for all three shows.
Eric Hutchinson Australian Tour
Presented by Teamwrk Touring & MRG Live
Thursday, Nov. 19 — Lefty's Music Hall, Brisbane
Friday, Nov. 20 — Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
Saturday, Nov. 21 — The Lansdowne, Sydney
