An EastEnders star has hit back at online trolls who slammed her appearance after giving birth.
Melissa Suffield, who is best known for playing Lucy Beale on the BBC soap from 2004 to 2010, has taken to social media to share her response to those who made negative comments about her figure.
The 31-year-old actor took to Instagram yesterday (7 March) to share with her 93k followers how she handles the body-shaming criticism.
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Melissa, who regularly uses her platform to share body confidence content, uploaded a video of herself wearing a black dress while posing against a colourful wall.
She could be seen standing sideways to the camera with a hand on her belly.
The overlay text on the clip read: "When’s it due?" before she started shaking her head at the camera.
The second message on the screen answered: "About four years ago, mate."
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Her son, River, then ran into Melissa's arms before she picked him up, adding to viewers: "There is no rush to 'bounce back'. Tell the others."
Melissa captioned the post: "If I had a penny for every time I’ve been asked this... This is your reminder that postpartum is forever, and there is no time limit. There is no race to get your 'body back'.
"Whether you do or you don’t, you’re just as worthy either way. You haven’t failed if your body looks like it had a baby in it at one point (guess what? It did!).
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"The Fourth Trimester is not a deadline or a goal. Welcome to the Fifth Trimester, you. Who else is still rocking a Fifth Trimester body? Tell me your story in the comments!"
Fans were quick to share their reactions to Melissa's video, with one Instagram user writing: "I would like to know when people will learn to just not comment on other peoples bodies!"
A second praised: "Can I just say, I adore you. I've been asked so many times, and it gets upsetting.
"But like you said, our bodies have had babies! I just wish people would think before they say things."
"My body will never be the same and I'm working on being ok with that," shared a third. "Will never know why people feel the need to comment on others bodies full stop!"
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A fourth chimed in: "Yes thank you for this. I don't think I'll ever lose my little mum pouch... lol."
And a final Instagram user added: "Can’t tell you the amount of times Iv been asked when am I due or congratulations.
"I’m always so mortified and 9/10 it’s when I’m actually feel good about myself.
"It never gets any easier you just have to learn to deal with it I guess and accept this is who you are!"
Topics: Eastenders, Celebrity, Parenting, Pregnancy
Rhiannon Ingle