Stacey Solomon has spoken out about the criticism she has received after she was caught smoking while pregnant.
The former X Factor contestant - who sparked a barrage of negative comments after she was spotted puffing away whilst seven months pregnant - said she deserved the criticism but found some of it a "little harsh".
Speaking on today's Loose Women she said: “All of the responses are something that I deserve. I don’t for one minute think I can sit here and say it is ok – so I can accept that kind of criticism and although it's not nice to hear I know that it's true [the health risks] and maybe that will give me more power to stop it and nip it in the bud.
“There’s ups and downs to people being critical because it makes you think oh my God, I really must sort this out and you feel even more guilty than you already do because, don’t get me wrong, I felt guilty before all of this came out. But there is a little a bit of you that thinks I love my children with all my heart so some of the comments are a little bit harsh.”
The mum of one whose second baby is due on 7th May continued: “It's absolutely devastating not just because I saw them [pictures] in the paper – it's something I’m not proud of and I’m really, really struggling with in general. It’s not just because everyone knows now. It's something that I don’t want to do and that I’m not happy doing so it’s horrible.”
On trying to give up smoking during pregnancy, Stacey said: “I really have been and am in the process of [giving up] before these pictures came out. It’s a horrible habit and I care more about my children than anything in the whole wide world so anything I can do to give up means more to me than anything else or what anyone thinks.”
Despite apologising for her actions, Stacey has already been dropped by Foxy Bingo who had signed her up to find Britain's best real-life mum.
In a statement the online bingo company said: “Having been named Celebrity Mum of the Year 2011, Foxy Bingo and Stacey Solomon have enjoyed a close working relationship in the past year, including on the Foxy Mum of the Year campaign - a nationwide search to find Britain’s best real-life mum - which Stacey launched last month.
“However, following stories in the newspapers in recent days, Foxy Bingo has taken the decision to stand Stacey down from her position as judge on Foxy Mum and from the voting shortlist for Foxy Bingo Celebrity Mum of the Year 2012, the winner of which will be announced next week.
“Stacey has apologised to the people at Foxy Bingo and is sorry and embarrassed by her actions. We understand Stacey is doing everything she can to stop smoking and in recent times has cut back dramatically. She's naturally disappointed but accepts Foxy Bingo's decision.
“Foxy Bingo would like to place on record its thanks to Stacey for all her efforts so far on the Foxy Mum campaign.”
The statement says: "I am really ashamed and embarrassed that I have been smoking during my pregnancy. It is something that I am deeply upset about and not proud of in any way. I feel that I have let people down who have given me fantastic opportunities and believed in me but most of all I feel I have let myself down and my family, that I care about most in the whole world. However I feel that I am a strong person and I am doing everything in my power to give up and have been for a long while. I will succeed and I will give up as I care more about my children than anything and everything. Thank you to everyone for your on going support and loving me for me. My flaws and all. Love you all lots xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"
[{"entry_id":"2695568","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/15\/miley-cyrus-wardrobe-malfunction_n_2695568.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/257695\/slide_257695_1656062_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/257695\/slide_257695_1656062_small.jpg","title":"Celeb Nip Slips","slideshow_id":"257695","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2715643","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/19\/cheryl-cole-mc-harvey-now-magazine-apology_n_2715643.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/254687\/slide_254687_1599653_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/254687\/slide_254687_1599653_small.jpg","title":"Cheryl Cole","slideshow_id":"254687","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2715987","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/19\/kate-beckinsale-one-direction_n_2715987.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/222791\/slide_222791_908619_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/222791\/slide_222791_908619_small.jpg","title":"One Direction's Road To World Domination","slideshow_id":"222791","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2695260","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/15\/rihanna-chris-brown-valentines-day_n_2695260.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/279960\/slide_279960_2087631_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/279960\/slide_279960_2087631_small.jpg","title":"Chris Brown and Rihanna At The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards ","slideshow_id":"279960","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2714733","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/19\/britains-got-talent-ant-and-dec-ant-mcpartlin-children_n_2714733.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/257110\/slide_257110_1646015_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/257110\/slide_257110_1646015_small.jpg","title":"Celebrity Bromances","slideshow_id":"257110","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2693826","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/15\/martine-mccutcheon-bankrupt-hair-extensions_n_2693826.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/280966\/slide_280966_2108854_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/280966\/slide_280966_2108854_small.jpg","title":"Bankrupt stars","slideshow_id":"280966","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2709275","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/18\/rihanna-attacked-london-fashion-week-river-island-show_n_2709275.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/281471\/slide_281471_2117835_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/281471\/slide_281471_2117835_small.jpg","title":"Rihanna For River Island AW13","slideshow_id":"281471","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2710037","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/18\/coleen-wayne-rooney-son-kai-barbados-holiday_n_2710037.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/277671\/slide_277671_2443277_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/277671\/slide_277671_2443277_small.jpg","title":"Pregnant Celebs","slideshow_id":"277671","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2709712","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/18\/boy-george-weight-loss_n_2709712.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/240743\/slide_240743_1275649_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/240743\/slide_240743_1275649_small.jpg","title":"Weight Loss Stars","slideshow_id":"240743","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2709456","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/18\/harry-styles-djing_n_2709456.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/278180\/slide_278180_2051012_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/278180\/slide_278180_2051012_small.jpg","title":"19 Reasons Why We Love Harry Styles","slideshow_id":"278180","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2714959","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/19\/cara-delevingne-london-fashion-week_n_2714959.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/281591\/slide_281591_2120547_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/281591\/slide_281591_2120547_small.jpg","title":" Cara Delevingne in pictures","slideshow_id":"281591","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2706723","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/17\/london-fashion-week-kate-middleton-vivienne-westwood_n_2706723.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/281495\/slide_281495_2118502_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/281495\/slide_281495_2118502_small.jpg","title":"LFW: Vivienne Westwood Red Label","slideshow_id":"281495","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2708808","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/18\/spice-girl-mel-c-hailed-a_n_2708808.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/213446\/slide_213446_768820_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/213446\/slide_213446_768820_small.jpg","title":"Celeb Mums And Daughters","slideshow_id":"213446","vertical":"uk-celebrity"},{"entry_id":"2710036","entry_url":"http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/2013\/02\/18\/harrison-ford-calista-flockhart_n_2710036.html","content_type":"image","image_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/200162\/slide_200162_525187_small.jpg","thumbnail_url":"gadgets\/slideshows\/200162\/slide_200162_525187_small.jpg","title":"Beach Babes","slideshow_id":"200162","vertical":"uk-celebrity"}]
Stacey Solomon has spoken out about the criticism she has received after she was caught smoking while pregnant.
The former X Factor contestant - who sparked a barrage of negative comments after she...
Stacey Solomon has spoken out about the criticism she has received after she was caught smoking while pregnant.
The former X Factor contestant - who sparked a barrage of negative comments after she...
Ruby Wax has slammed Loose Women's presenters for their apparent 'obsession' with younger men. The People reports the comedienne commenting "That show is abhorrent" at...
Expectant mum Sarah Cawood has blasted Stacey Solomon after she was caught smoking at seven months pregnant. The TV presenter has labelled the former X...
It was ridiculously naive of Stacey Solomon to think that she would not be discovered: after all, her little indiscretion took place outside a tv studio where there are always paps lurking: Stacey you plonker.
Has an adult she has the choice to smoke and that I don't mind, those that don't smoke can walk away from those that do, just the fact that whilst pregnant that concerns me, the little one has no choice or escape from it. Surely she could find the will power for just Nine months of her life and think of all the money saved to buy her little one something special too. There are lots of no smoking places and the womb should be one of them.
iamhappyshopping: Has an adult she has the choice to smoke and
i love stacey solomon smoking while pregnant is not a crime my wife smoked through all her pregnancies and there was nothing wrong with any ov her children they were all a good weight the biggest being 7lb7oz so ppl who say smoking while pregnant really annoys me and should get a life and something to occupy them selve s
dave1957: i love stacey solomon smoking while pregnant is not a
Leave her alone. I suppose all the nasty comments are from people who are perfect and have never done anything wrong. Look in the mirror people, are you so perfect? I have never smoked by the way but I wouldn't condemn anyone who gets hooked. She realises she shouldn't have so leave it at that.
grandragon: Leave her alone. I suppose all the nasty comments are
So funny, this reminds me of when Maddie McCann went missing and what was the response "what's the problem everyone's doing it" when talking about leaving underaged kids alone - pathetic.
incensedinUK: So funny, this reminds me of when Maddie McCann went
She is way pregnant and smoking! Ridiculous, she knows better and could use some of her money if her will power needs help to stop the bad habit
If she loves her children then why knowingly harm them whilst they are in the belly? Utterly irresponsible and you have not even said you WILL now stop. Love is action. The message do not smoke whilst pregnant has been loud and clear for over a decade. This is not Stacey's first child, might the permanent grin and giggle been deceptive, she should be stripped off the Celebrity Mum of the Year 2011 award. She might be smoking near the older child.
Given it is an offence to smoke in public places because passive smoke harms, then the womb is just as much public. Smoking past the 24 week abortion guideline, should without question face a fine. Expectant mothers like Stacey Solomon make babies much more 'assaulted' passive smoke victims, having no exit option from 'suffocating fumes' except miscarriage. Stacey's due baby is another innocent bystander as much forced to inhale nicotine as any person in a pub would be..
Stacey one side effect is poor brain development; lower IQ, diminished intelligence than might have been. Low birth weight with smoking implicated may signify poor development in other organs. Never mind a baby that will cry, fret as it suffers withdrawal symptoms. Stacey, you can just puff away, sooth away, the baby's irritability that you inflicted in the first place. .
maryegunyu: She is way pregnant and smoking! Ridiculous, she knows better
For God,s sake leave her alone.She should not smoke we know but it is her business.Pople in glass houses should not throw stones. I wonder how many of her critics get drunk or are obese?
lynda_lou: For God,s sake leave her alone.She should not smoke we
Listen, the concern for most responsible people here is not whether any adult is smoking, eating a lot, or drowning in alcohol, but more their sole concern is for the innocent baby Stacey Solomon carries as we speak. That baby is both vulnerable and helpless, totally helpless in this situation. If you research the dangers of smoking whilst pregnant, you would not say 'leave her alone', in fact Stacey herself does not share your stance. Stacey does not attempt to defend or justify her action, least of all by pointing to others, she in her own words is admitting she is very wrong.
So why again are you saying leave her alone whilst she her self is somewhat glad it is in the open? She Stacey Solomon, is even hoping it might be the push she needs to get out before it is more late than it is already for her 'beloved' baby.
Regardless, and guaranteed some harm has already befallen the baby.
maryegunyu: Listen, the concern for most responsible people here is not
OK show us your researched FACTS about smoking while pregnant.
Some medical guidelines will be insufficient to support your dangers of smoking while pregnant claim!
Reality_always_bites: OK show us your researched FACTS about smoking while pregnant.
oh you know her, you would have to, or you couldnt make that statement so you are a psychic? when you call someone a name , make sure you know what you are talking about
vickijoiner: oh you know her, you would have to, or you
And I suppose you know her through all the adverts on television, don't you know they are all make believe to inmpress people of little intellegience maybe just like you. Do the world a favour and stay in Essex.
lawblynn: And I suppose you know her through all the adverts
do not have to flaunt myself on reality tv to make a very successfu career and pretend to be something I am not. Do the world a favour and stay in Essex with the rest of the dorks.
lawblynn: do not have to flaunt myself on reality tv to
Foxy Bingo are total hypocrits. Gambling is as addictive as smoking. They are quite happy to encourage people to gamble which is probably on a par with smoking. People lose family, homes etc. due to addiction to gambling. Anyway it's all just publicity for them and hopefully BAD PUBLICITY AT THAT.
steamboats999: Foxy Bingo are total hypocrits. Gambling is as addictive as
Any doctor will tell you stress is worse on a fetus than the occasional cigarette. Sure heavy smoking is bad and should not be done while pregnant but it is much better to have that cigarette then to stress out about trying to quit. So all this uproar for her in the end will be worse on her child than the cigarette everyone is upset about.
Jack_Finney: Any doctor will tell you stress is worse on a
What a lot of rubbish, how the hell can foxy stupid bingo criticise anybody. official Statistics.
The number of people with severe gambling problems is fast approaching one million, experts fear.
Bingo players alone stake more than £1.8 billion worth of their money per year in the hope of a big win
So you see folks a lot of people are addicted to gambling just like Stacey is to smoking but to gamble is ok then ? obviously a lot of people on huffpost do not know the effects people addicted to gambling has on familys I do, not me personally but a couple of friends of mine were at one time, their familys went though hell and back, I do not agree with smoking but lets get this into prospective anyone who has criticised Stacey for smoking, obviously does not smoke or drink only drives an electric car does not eat fast food only has fresh good holesome home made food ect ect I could go on and on, as the saying goes, let them without sin cast the first stone !
jack2649: What a lot of rubbish, how the hell can foxy
Whilst it is wrong to smoke while you are pregnant, I can't help feeling that people are so quick to get the knives out, she knows it was wrong, but thousands do it. I am age 65. When I was pregnant all those years ago, we did not have the information about smoking then, so everyone smoked, so did I, not realising that I might be doing harm to my Baby, but I have 2 very strapping sons, and now Grandchildren. She made a mistake, but did she? or is this hype the media/government would like us all to think, because I said in the 60s/70s mums to be did smoke. (JUST LEAVE HER ALONE FOR GOODNESS SAKE)
rowroann: Whilst it is wrong to smoke while you are pregnant,
I smoked while I was pregnant too [ we are in a similar age group] one of my sons was 12 lbs birthweight, and the other two were healthy normal sized babies.
I agree that a lot of it is hype, there are so many evils in this world, but smokers always do and always will get a raw deal.
When everyone stops smoking, as they probably will eventually I wonder who the fanatics will pick upon next!
ebell411: I smoked while I was pregnant too [ we are
Well was a twin 65 now ,my twin brother died 8 years from a smoking
related disease i can only speak for myself, never to have smoked,
still here, i expected to die around the same time,
what does that tell you.
wes
weskirk1: Well was a twin 65 now ,my twin brother died
I'm certain that your experiences alone are enough to convince the rest of us that smoking is not only not bad for you but actually good for you and for future generations of you.
michael07: I'm certain that your experiences alone are enough to convince
Loading comments… 
The Huffington Post UK First Posted: 5/03/2012 13:57 Updated: 5/03/2012 15:42