Loose Women presenter Stacey Solomon has hit back after she was criticised for calling herself a single mum.
The online criticism came after the 28-year-old posted a black and white picture to Instagram on Tuesday.
It featured herself and her son, Leighton, five, who she shares with ex, Aaron Barnham.
Beside it she wrote: “Sometimes being a single mum makes you want to cry.”
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Speaking on Friday’s Loose Women, Stacey – who is also mum to Zachary, nine, with ex Dean Cox – said some fans were confused, wondering if that meant she’d broken up with her boyfriend of two years, actor Joe Swash, 36.
“For some reason people really find it hard to believe that I still class myself as a single parent because I have a boyfriend,” she said.
“I don’t know why it bugged me so much but it really did! I felt as though – as much as I’m so happy and secure in my relationship with Joe – he isn’t a parent to my children.
“Their relationship might develop and things will change but we’ve only been together a couple of years.”
Panellists Andrea McLean, Linda Robson, and Kaye Adams agreed, as Stacey continued: “He doesn’t live with me, and he’s got his own son. So I very much still see myself as the sole provider for and primary carer of my two children.
“Now, I know it seems really sad that I even think about it or that it bothers me, but that’s something I’m really proud of and it’s something I’ve worked hard to achieve. The love and affection that I’ve put into my children.
“I don’t want my title of single parent to be taken away from me or used against me.”
The X Factor finalist added, “I feel really silly that I let it get to me,” as her co-hosts tried to reassure her.
Andrea, 48, and Linda, 59, said they felt the same way as single mums, when they split from their children’s father.
Stacey continued: “I’ve been a mum since I was 17 years old and I’m so proud of everything I’ve achieved and the people my boys are becoming. I’m so proud to have that title of single parent.”
Linda added: “And you’ve done a wonderful job.”
The I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! star mentioned her sons’ fathers, saying they both have “great dads” but she is still “really proud” to call herself a single mum.
She added that even if she married Joe, she would still class herself as a single mum.
“I wouldn’t expect anyone who’s coming into my life as a partner to take on the responsibility of my children,” she told the presenters.
“Please God, eventually we’re in a position where they share bonds and friendships and relationships with the person that I’m with, but I don’t feel like I would ever share the responsibility of them getting through school, making sure they’re fed, making sure they’re clothed.”
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