Aston Merrygold has shared that he and his JLS bandmates are consistently close, a situation that has evolved organically over time. Nearly two decades since the formation of the popular boy band JLS, the members have expressed a newfound bond, despite it not being a deliberate choice on their part.

The group, consisting of Oritsé Williams, Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, and JB Gill, rose to fame as runners-up on The X Factor in 2008. Following their success, they released four highly successful albums and secured two Brit Awards before disbanding in 2013.

The bandmates revealed that their initial decision to pursue solo endeavors led to their hiatus, aiming to conclude their collaboration on a high note. However, in 2020, they reunited and announced plans for a comeback tour, which unfortunately faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rescheduled for the end of 2021.

Aston Merrygold recently affirmed that their strong bond persists due to the presence of their ten collective children. Speaking on the CBeebies Parenting Download podcast hosted by Katie Thistleton and rapper Guvna B, the Cambridgeshire-native emphasized that the children have forged familial ties, referring to each other as “cousins.”

“We have grown closer now because our interactions are driven by our children rather than our own choices,” Aston stated. “Our kids have essentially brought us together, forming such tight relationships among themselves. It’s not solely up to us anymore to meet; it’s about fulfilling their desires.”

He added, “We collaborate, we cherish each other, but now it’s more about meeting the needs of our children. Each of us is navigating different stages of parenthood, and we rely on one another to share our experiences.” This mutual support and trust among the bandmates have been invaluable as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenting together.

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