Jade Thirlwall makes shady dig at Jesy Nelson’s Little Mix exit as guest judge on Drag Race UK

JADE Thirwall made a 'shady' dig at former bandmate Jesy Nelson's exit from Little Mix.

It came as Jade, 29, took on the role of guest judge on BBC Three's Drag Race UK Vs The World.

The singing superstar was introduced by host Ru Paul, as she sat alongside the other judges Michelle Visage and Graham Norton to watch the remaining queens perform the track 'London' together.

After lending a hand to help them record their individual verses, Ru asked Jade: "How did recording with the queens compare to recording with Little Mix?"

To which Jade replied: "Oh it’s just the same really.

"I bossed everyone around and there’s an ugly rumour going around that one of the girls is leaving the group tonight."

Both Michelle and Ru gasped over Jade's comment before Ru moved on proceedings with a laugh.

Despite Jesy's name not being mentioned by Jade, Little Mix fans rushed to Twitter to react, convinced Jade was referencing Jesy's departure from Little Mix, which was announced in December 2020.

One tweeted: "The way that Jade shaded Jesy."

Another observed: "Jade didn't hold back."

While a third exclaimed: "Jade throwing shade at Jesy. I. AM …. LIVING."

"Jade shading Jesy best part of drag race so far," added a fourth.

In November 2020, Jesy, 30, revealed she was taking an extended break from the band, but just a month later, she left the group for good.

Responding at the time, the remaining band members - Jade, Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock - said: "After an amazing 9 years together Jesy has made the decision to leave Little Mix. This is an incredibly sad time for all of us but we are fully supportive of Jesy.

"We love her very much and agree that it is so important that she does what is right for her mental health and well-being."

Jesy launched her solo career with her debut single Boyz, featuring rapper Nicki Minaj.

She was later accused of 'blackfishing' in the music video for the song and cultural appropriation .

But it appears her career is back on track as Jesy recently teased fans with pictures of her in the recording studio with Black Eyed Peas favourite will.i.am.