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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Lucy Needham

Fearne Cotton hits out at trolls after being 'skinny-shamed' over mini dress photo

Fearne Cotton has hit back at cruel body-shamers who accused her of being 'too skinny' in her latest Instagram photo.

The row broke out after Fearne posted a picture of herself dressed in a thigh-grazing black mini dress.

Posing in front of a mirror, Fearne showed off her toned bare legs as she posed in the 60s inspired shift dress and a pair of black boots.

After sharing the photo to her page, Fearne found herself swamped with criticism from trolls telling her she looked 'underweight'.

The TV and radio presenter, 41, responded to the barrage of concerned comments .

She responded: '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.

Fearne Cotton was 'skinny-shamed' after posting a photo of herself in a black mini dress (Instagram)

'If we are judging other people's 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. It's different for everyone. But also I'm not sure why I am defending myself here."

Opening up about her ten year battle with an eating disorder, Fearne continued: "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 I'm in my forties and feel so grateful for my health.

Fearne has opened up before about her 10 year battle with an eating disorder and her road to recovery (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

"I am in no way upset or personally offended as I've 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."

Fearne's followers then praised the former Top of the Pops presenter for speaking out

Mum-of-two Fearne then reached out to her supporters:

She said: "Just wanted to say to all the love people, genuinely love people, who are sending messages asking if I'm okay after my last post, I'm beyond fine. Don't touch the f**king sides quite frankly.

"People commenting on my body honestly doesn't impact me personally in any way.

Fearne with her husband Jesse Wood, with whom she shares two children (James Shaw/REX/Shutterstock)
Fearne says she was plagued with a lack of confidence during her teens and 20s. (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

"I've been through far, far worse but I want to fight this good fight for all women because our bodies are still overly scrutinised and judged.

"I don't see anyone comment on the shape or size of Louis Theroux's legs because they're too busy listening to what he's got to say."

"Or anybody commenting on my lovely dear friend Joe Wicks, saying "You look a bit too lean." It doesn't happen.

'So here's to all the women and women's bodies, and knobbly knees.

'I would like to also say that I hope I can be helpful in some way and a good supportive ally to all women in the disability community who have heaps more s**t to deal with in terms of body image and barriers in place.

"So, I'm with you, ladies. I'm with you."

Fearne with her close pal Holly Willoughby (Instagram)

Fearne has previously spoken out about her 10 year battle with bulimia which she was triggered by self-doubt and believing she was 'too broad.'

"Some of my self loathing came from feeling physically 'wrong'.

"Too broad, too square, too squidgy in areas due to the images that were ubiquitous when I was growing up.

'I was unknowingly applying all I was imbibing to my own self worth. I can still be triggered in this way today but have done a lot of healing to feel more robust.

Fearne and Stephen Mulhern started their careers presenting kids' TV show Fingertips (Carlton TV)

"The female body has long been discussed and obsessed over and what we must remember is to never shame any physical body.

"There will be naturally very slim women out there who do not want the abuse or assumption around their bodies too.

Fearne told fans to never shame a woman's body whatever their size (PA)

"There are women in the disability community who do not want to explain themselves or be pitied.

"There are women out there who feel shame and hatred for their physical bodies who need support and love. All bodies are bloody miraculous and beautiful," she added.

*For help and support on eating disorders contact Beat Eating Disorders on 0808 801 0677.

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