Stacey Solomon's built a hugely successful career as one of the nation’s most-loved celebs thanks to her relatable, down-to-earth persona, candid honesty and raw insight into her life as a working mum-of-five.
But after sharing her morning fitness regime on social media last week, Stacey was forced to defend herself after being attacked by trolls.
Insinuating Stacey’s motive for sharing her workout was to jump on the bandwagon of celebs such as Kym Marsh and Scarlett Moffatt, who’ve cashed-in with workout DVDs in the past, one follower quipped, “I presume you’re going to do a keep fit video. I thought you kept it real.”
The clearly insulted star immediately hit back, replying, “You presume wrong Linda. I just want to be strong. I deserve that!”
Now insiders say, “Stacey was gutted when she saw the comments she got over her workout video. She’s been loving getting into fitness and sharing her journey with her fans, but she’s still getting trolled. She’s feeling torn over what to post and how to present herself at the moment.
“The last thing she wants is for people to think she’s disingenuous and to accuse her of having an ulterior motive all along, so she’s petrified of embarking on fitness-related endorsement deals or anything else that would make people question her authenticity.”
Since winning over the nation’s hearts on The X Factor in 2009 as the ditzy girl from Dagenham, Stacey – who is 34 this week – has turned herself into a £5 million brand with a flourishing career as a TV presenter and influencer and a whopping 5.7 million Instagram followers.
Earlier this year, the Sort Your Life Out host – whose sister, Samantha, is a Barry’s Bootcamp trainer – vowed to embark on a regular exercise routine after dusting off her husband - and EastEnders star - Joe Swash’s exercise bike, which he admitted to never using.
After transforming part of their garage at Pickle Cottage into a home gym, the former I’m A Celeb! winner told fans, “I’m going to try to use it every day.
“If I don’t for the next month then the whole lot is going to charity. Because it’s such a waste! I hate the gym TBH but I hate waste more so maybe this will be good for me.”
And while she’s been enjoying her morning workouts, pals say the recent criticism has left Stacey feeling torn over wanting to stay true to her down-to-earth persona and embracing her new love of fitness.
The source says, “Stacey felt really hurt by the accusations, especially when she feels she’s been as real and honest as she can be about the process of getting into exercise – opening up about her struggles and the tough days when she just wants to pig out instead of get on the treadmill.
“To have her integrity and honesty questioned was a real slap in the face and it made her feel like whatever she does, someone is going to use it as an opportunity to bring her down. It’s made her question if she should even be sharing her journey amid the fear it will damage the reputation she’s known and loved for.”
Stacey has been consistently praised for showing off her “real” body – sharing unedited bikini snaps and pictures of her postpartum shape on social media, spreading messages of body positivity and even launching an all-inclusive clothes range with In The Style.
The Loose Women presenter – who shares four-year-old son Rex and daughters, Rose, who turns two on Stacey’s birthday this week, and Belle, eight months – has also been candidly open about her long-term health battle. Stacey – who’s also mum to sons, Zachary, 15, and Leighton, 11, from previous relationships – has confessed to having an “out of control fear of death” and crippling anxiety as well as suffering from post-natal depression.
The star – who suffered a miscarriage in her struggle to conceive a fourth child – has taken regular breaks from social media in a bid to combat her anxiety, as well as seeking professional treatment including counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy.
The source says, “As well as the physical benefits of her new workout regime – getting stronger and fitter for both herself and her kids – Stacey’s mental health has been hugely boosted since she’s got back into exercise, and it’s helping her in every aspect of her life. She’s insisting she’s a better wife and mum because of it too.
“While her intentions were initially purely for her own physical health and mental wellbeing, she has received some great opportunities from various fitness brands wanting to partner with her, but after the recent backlash, she’s now worried about the damage it could cause to her image.
“As always, Joe has been her rock and has assured her that for the couple of trolls who have nothing better to do with their lives, she has a million fans in her corner who love and support her.
“He’s reminded her that being in the spotlight, she’s always going to have to face some backlash, but he’s urged her not to let the small handful of haters hold her back from something she’s really enjoying and wants to pursue more.
“Stacey knows he’s right and is determined to stay strong and true to herself – insisting that she won’t be shamed for making money from a new passion – especially if it helps inspire, motivate and boost the confidence of other women, which is ultimately her number one goal.”