Fearne Cotton hits out as trolls shame her over mini dress selfie

Fearne Cotton has hit out at cruel online trolls who said she looked ‘too thin’ after she shared a selfie online.

The television presenter, 41, who battled bulimia for 10 years in her twenties, was the victim of body-shaming after she posted a picture on Instagram on Friday of herself wearing a black mini dress which left her long legs on show. 

Fearne hit back at critics after sparking concern in the mirror selfie, with some commenting she appeared underweight.

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. 

‘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. 

‘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. 

‘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 previously said her 10 year battle with bulimia was triggered by self-loathing and a negative body image after the presenter fooled herself into believing she was ‘too broad’.

The popular TV and radio personality struggled with bulimia throughout her twenties before managing to overcome the eating disorder following her marriage to musician Jesse Wood and the subsequent birth of her children.

Discussing her battle with the condition in November, Fearne admitted she was urged to raise the issue after reading online debates about the return of ‘Heroin Chic’ – a term popularised in the early ’90s and commonly used to describe fashion models with pale skin and emaciated features.

Taking to Instagram at the time, she wrote: ‘Sometimes I think tons of differing voices weighing in on a subject is too noisy but having had a lot of body image issues over the years I feel compelled if only to continue some healthy debate.

‘I was bulimic for ten years which was partly an issue of self loathing and partly a control mechanism.  

‘I still feel a discomfort in mentioning it, only spurred on by the knowledge that so many are dealing with it now and might feel like they’ll never break the cycle.

‘My message being…if I can, you can. It is absolutely possible. Go gentle on yourself and know that you can heal.’  

The presenter was a household name throughout her twenties, during which she hosted mainstream shows such as Top Of The Pops and The Xtra Factor.

But behind the scenes she admits to being crippled by low self-worth, and frequently used food as a coping mechanism.

She added: ‘I mention this because 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.

‘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.

‘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.’

If you are struggling with Bulimia Nervosa or any other eating disorder call Beat Eating Disorders for free on 0808 801 0677 or email help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk.