07 March 2024 , 21:42
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EastEnders star Melissa Suffield has hit out at online trolls who had tried to body shame her following her recent pregnancy.
The 31-year-old soap actress played Lucy Beale on the long-running BBC show from 2004 until 2010 - during which time she was involved in one of the most iconic plot lines in soap history as the mystery surrounding her murder was solved in a landmark live episode. In real life, Melissa has enjoyed success on stage, continued to work on screen, and has seen her family life thrive. She is married to cruise director Robert Brendan and they welcomed their first child together in 2020.
The star is the proud mum to a three-year-old son - and she has been championing body positivity in the years since his arrival. However, Melissa has hinted she has had enough of people speculating about her figure as she suggested people often ask her when she is expecting to give birth.
Taking to social media, the TV star shared a video of herself posing in a black dress. Posing against a colourful wall, Melissa stood with her stomach pushing out and with a hand on her belly. She added a caption over the image, stating: “When’s it due?”
EastEnders star Melissa Suffield has hit out at body shaming trolls (@Melissa Suffield/Instagram)
Melissa shared an empowering message for other mothers (@Melissa Suffield/Instagram)She was then shown shaking her head, while another message read: “About four years ago, mate.” Her young son then ran towards her and she scooped him up in her arms. She ended the video on a positive note and a call to action, stating: “There is no rush to ‘bounce back’. Tell the others.”
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She uploaded the video to her Instagram grid along with a message. She wrote: “If I had a penny for every time I’ve been asked this... This is your reminder that postpartum is forever, and there is no time limit. There is no race to get your ‘body back’. Whether you do or you don’t, you’re just as worthy either way. You haven’t failed if your body looks like it had a baby in it at one point (guess what? It did!).
“The Fourth Trimester is not a deadline or a goal. Welcome to the Fifth Trimester, you. Who else is still rocking a Fifth Trimester body? Tell me your story in the comments!”
Melissa was supported by her followers - who thanked her for speaking out against the awkward questions others feel emboldened to ask. One follower said: “I would like to know when people will learn to just not comment on other peoples bodies.”
Sharing her own experience, one follower commented: “Mine never bounced back from having my daughter (she's the same age as River) and my son is about to be 10 months. My body hasn't bounced back. I had to have both of mine via C-Section so I know even if I was to eventually lose the weight. My mum pouch will never go.”