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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick

Fearne Cotton receives flood of support after being 'skinny shamed'

Radio 2 star Fearne Cotton received a raft of support from her followers after being 'skinny shamed' on Instagram. The 41-year-old Sounds of the 90s presenter and host of the Happy Place podcast, clapped back following responses to a photo of herself posing in a black pinny dress worn with a cream polo neck and black chunky boots worn with ankle socks.

The mother-of-two, who shot to fame as a children's TV presenter in her teens, captioned the chic mirror selfie shared with her 3.7million followers: "This dress makes me feel like I'm in a cool 60's film.

"Its very Pattie Boyd popping to the shops back in the day. I love vintage silhouettes and adore that this dress is comfy and can be dressed up or down."

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However, her fans were disappointed to read comments about Fearne's body and flocked to support the former Celebrity Juice team captain. One fan said: "Skinny shamers are out in full force. It is possible to be very thin and healthy. That’s what healthy human legs are supposed to look like. I think she looks amazing - two kids, successful career, yoga legs and frame of mind."

xlilladyx wrote: "I have been called, skinny, thin, painfully thin, sick looking. People assuming that I don't eat much or not enough all my life. When in my 20's and 30's Iv even been ask if I'm anorexic whilst on nights out with friends. We all come in all shapes and sizes."

And lauratz said: "I’ve been 'skinny' all my life and it baffles me how some people think it’s ok to ask if your ok or if there’s something wrong, or to tell you that you need to eat something. I wouldn’t dream of commenting on someone’s weight, whatever side of the scales they’re on."

And the following day Fearne herself spoke out, saying: "Sometimes I think, I cant be a***d to respond to the insane amounts of noise on here, but when it comes to judging bodies I feel something has to be said.

"Online arguments or discussions around what bodies look like (see my last post) are not helpful. If we are judging other peoples bodies or making accusations we are driving a narrative that women have to look a certain way to be accepted. This sort of attention is not cast upon men, ever.

"No matter what my size, pregnant or other wise, I have knobbly knees and spindly ankles. I have always held my weight around my midriff. Its different for everyone. But also Im not sure why I am defending myself here.

"Due to having been bulimic in my twenties I am extra sensitive to these sorts of discussions as I have worked hard to heal, recover and get to a place where I love food, eat for energy and pleasure, exercise to give my strength now Im in my forties and feel so grateful for my health.

"I am in no way upset or personally offended as Ive been through a lot worse, but I will keeping fighting this fight for ALL women for the rest of my life. I am much more than what my body looks like, as are ALL women. Peace and love."

Fellow presenter Denise Van Outen told her: "Love you Cotton." And Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon applauded: "Hear hear." Ex Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn told her: "Well said and so important."

And EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy said: "I honestly cannot believe people are STILL commenting on bodies. We are lucky to have them, whatever shape they are. And yours is GORGEOUS."

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