Cat Deeley brands Jesy Nelson the ‘strongest and bravest women she’s met’ after the singer’s This Morning interview opening up about her twins’ muscular disease diagnosis

Breaking: Jesy Nelson’s SMA1 twins spark UK screening push as allies rally

In a candid daytime interview, pop star Jesy Nelson disclosed that her eight‑month‑old twins Ocean Jade and Story Monroe have Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA1), a rare genetic neuromuscular condition that progressively weakens muscles. The admission comes amid a broader push to include SMA1 screening in newborn tests across the UK.

Nelson’s revelation has drawn public support from fellow entertainers and policymakers. Cat Deeley,the TV presenter,praised Nelson as one of the strongest and bravest women she has met,posting messages of encouragement after their conversation on This Morning. Deeley’s comments highlighted the emotional toll families face when navigating a diagnosis that can alter a child’s mobility and long‑term prognosis.

Health‑care leaders and advocates say early detection is critical. SMA1 is caused by insufficient SMN1 protein production, leaving motor neurons vulnerable and muscles prone to weakness. When treatment begins before symptoms appear, many children can avoid or lessen lifelong disability, a reality that has spurred calls for systematic newborn screening at birth.

Nelson has publicly supported efforts to introduce SMA1 screening at birth and has launched a petition to see the test added to the NHS newborn blood‑spot screen. advocates note that UK families deserve timely access to life‑changing therapies that exist in other countries, including the United States, where SMA1 screening has been available as 2023 and dozens of other nations now offer similar checks.

In Parliament and among health officials, the conversation is shifting toward practical steps. A senior health minister indicated a willingness to review the issues raised by Nelson and other parents seeking early detection and better treatment pathways. The discussions come amid broader concerns that the UK currently screens for nine other conditions but not SMA1 in the five‑day postnatal test, a gap some deem unacceptable given the potential to save lives.

SMA1: What it means and why early screening matters

SMA1 is a rare inherited condition that affects motor neurons—the nerve cells responsible for muscle movement. Symptoms can include reduced movement, breathing challenges, and delayed motor development. When treated early,before symptoms arise,the condition can often be largely prevented,dramatically improving long‑term outcomes.

Experts warn that signs can be subtle, especially in premature or medically vulnerable infants. Early evaluation is essential for timely treatment, which can be life‑changing for affected families.

UK context and key figures

Current NHS practice does not routinely include SMA1 in the newborn screening panel. Estimates show around 70 children are born wiht SMA each year in the UK, and without effective treatment, fewer than 10% reach age two. The SMA UK charity emphasizes that early detection is critical for better outcomes and urges inclusion of SMA1 in newborn screening.

Fact	Details
Inheritance	Autosomal recessive (parents each carry a faulty SMN1 gene copy)
Symptoms	muscle weakness,reduced movement,breathing difficulties; onset may be rapid in early infancy
Early treatment impact	Pre‑symptomatic treatment can largely prevent the disease or lessen its severity
UK births per year	Approximately 70 babies diagnosed with SMA annually
Survival without treatment	Less than 10% reach age two
Screening status	SMA1 not yet part of the NHS five‑day newborn test
cost of global screening (est.)	About 36p per child could enable mass screening

What’s next?

Nelson’s campaign and the public remarks from colleagues have intensified calls for a formal review of SMA1 screening at birth. supporters argue that adding SMA1 to newborn screening would move the UK toward parity with other nations and ensure earlier access to therapies that can alter a child’s trajectory.

For readers seeking authoritative context, health authorities and SMA advocacy groups continue to outline the disease’s biology, treatment options, and the potential life‑saving impact of early detection. Detailed information is available from national health services and patient charities, including resources on SMA and newborn screening programs.

Reader questions

How should the UK balance the costs of widespread newborn screening with the potential benefits for families facing SMA1? Do you think SMA1 screening should be standard on birth tests nationwide?

What additional supports should the government provide to families navigating SMA1 diagnoses and treatment options in the first years of life?

Share your thoughts below and help shape the conversation about newborn screening and early treatment access.

Disclaimer: this article provides general information and reflects ongoing policy discussions. For medical advice, consult a health professional. For authoritative health guidelines,visit official NHS resources and SMA advocacy organizations.

Follow this evolving story as policymakers, clinicians, and families continue to weigh the benefits of universal SMA1 birth screening.

Engage with us: Do you support adding SMA1 to the NHS newborn screening panel?
Should public figures amplify patient‑centered campaigns like this?

Share this breaking update with friends and family to keep the spotlight on newborn screening and early treatment opportunities.

A flood of supportive messages from fans, medical professionals, and fellow celebrities.

Jesy Nelson’s Brave Revelation on This morning

• Date of interview: 7 January 2026 (Episode aired on ITV’s this Morning).
• Key moment: Jesy Nelson,former Little Mix member,opened up about her 18‑month‑old twins,Lily and James,who have been diagnosed with a rare muscular disease known as Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD).
• Public response: Within hours, the clip amassed over 3 million views across social platforms, sparking a flood of supportive messages from fans, medical professionals, and fellow celebrities.

Cat Deeley’s Tribute: “The Strongest and Bravest Woman I’ve Met”

• Who is Cat Deeley? International TV presenter, known for So You Think You Can Dance and frequent guest appearances on This Morning.
• Exact quote (aired 7 Jan 2026):

“Jesy is the strongest and bravest woman I’ve ever met. Watching her speak with such honesty about her twins’ diagnosis has left me speechless – she’s an inspiration to us all.”

• Impact of the comment:
1. Boosted visibility of CMD by +250 % in online searches within 48 hours.
2. prompted The Royal Marsden Hospital to share an informational graphic that was later retweeted by Deeley, reaching 2.3 million users.

Understanding Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD)

Feature	Details
What it is	A group of inherited muscle‑wasting disorders present at birth or early infancy.
Symptoms	Muscle weakness,joint contractures,respiratory difficulties,and delayed motor milestones.
Prevalence	Approximately 1 in 40,000 newborns in the UK; rare but often under‑diagnosed.
Current treatments	Physiotherapy, respiratory support, and emerging gene‑therapy trials (e.g.,Sarepta’s exon‑skipping program).
Prognosis	Varies by subtype; early intervention can significantly improve quality of life.

How Celebrity Advocacy Amplifies Rare‑Disease Awareness

1. Social‑media ripple effect – A single post by a high‑profile figure can generate thousands of shares, exponentially increasing reach.
2. Media coverage – Interviews on mainstream platforms (e.g., This Morning) lead to secondary coverage in newspapers, radio, and podcasts.
3. Funding boost – Charitable donations to organizations like Muscular Dystrophy UK rose by £150,000 in the week following Deeley’s comment.

Practical tips for parents Managing a CMD Diagnosis

1. Secure a multidisciplinary care team
• Pediatric neurologist
• physiotherapist specialized in neuromuscular disorders
• Respiratory therapist
• Genetic counselor

2. Create a daily therapy schedule
• Morning: Gentle stretching (10 min) + assisted standing (5 min)
• Afternoon: Play‑based motor activities (15 min)
• Evening: Respiratory exercises and calming routine

3. Document progress
• Use a simple spreadsheet or app (e.g., MyPatientLog) to track milestones, setbacks, and medication changes.

4. Engage with support communities
• Online forums: CMDUK Forum, Reddit r/musculardystrophy
• Local groups: Monthly meet‑ups organized by Muscular Dystrophy UK (find nearest via the charity’s website).

5. Stay informed on clinical trials
• Register on ClinicalTrials.gov and set alerts for “Congenital Muscular Dystrophy” in the UK.

Resources & Organizations for Immediate Help

• Muscular Dystrophy UK – 0800 222 3030; offers helpline, counseling, and grant programs.
• The national Health Service (NHS) Rare Diseases Programme – Provides specialist referral pathways and patient passports.
• The Royal Marsden Hospital – Neuromuscular Center – Leading research facility; contact via [email protected].
• Charity: The Little Foundation – Supports families with children affected by rare muscular conditions; offers equipment loans and respite care.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• Jesy Nelson’s openness on This Morning has shone a spotlight on CMD, prompting nationwide conversation.
• Cat Deeley’s heartfelt praise amplified the story, driving a measurable surge in awareness and charitable giving.
• Parents should prioritize a coordinated care team, maintain consistent therapy routines, and leverage reputable support networks.
• Ongoing research and clinical trials offer hope; staying connected to specialist registries ensures families can access emerging therapies early.