Stacey Solomon is the human equivalent of spring: sunny, hopeful, and warm.
She’s surely now on the cusp of National Treasure status, and it seems obvious that we must protect her at all costs – so how upsetting to hear that she’s regularly targeted by online trolls. It’s honestly baffling. I can’t imagine sending nasty messages to anyone, but especially not to Stacey, who seems the very definition of well-intentioned.
Anyone who’s ever watched Sort Your Life Out, and seen the gentle, empathetic way she deals with people insisting they must keep some scraggy piece of rubbish as it’s got sentimental value will agree she appears to sincerely want to make the world a better – and better organised – place for everyone she comes into contact with. Fair enough, her brand of ultra cheerful enthusiasm won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. I’m not saying what’s not to love – but what exactly is there to loathe?
The way Stacey deals with this social media abuse is inspiring. Other celebrities, the rest of us, and particularly women can and should learn from her. She could so easily retaliate. She’s happily married, with five healthy kids, and an ever flourishing career – guessing not many of the keyboard cowards sending her hate earned £27,000 a month last year like she did. But instead of hitting back at the trolls, firstly she rises above it – “Imagine going to all that effort to say something horrible. It’s almost funny that they’ve used their time because I’m upsetting them that much.”
And then she beats them at their own game, by having a perspective I’ve seen in no other woman I’ve ever met. “This probably sounds weird,” she says, “But I think I’m really pretty. I know that sounds big-headed, but I like what I look like. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with me.” It doesn’t sound weird, or big-headed, Stacey. It sounds brilliant, and refreshing.
Stacey Solomon cradles baby bump after teasing she's weeks away from due date
I’ve never seen a photo of myself in which I couldn’t pick at least a million flaws, and most of my friends are the same.
Pressure on women to be beautiful, thin and forever young has increased to such an extreme level, and is so widely accepted as the norm, that I find Stacey’s announcement she thinks she’s really pretty genuinely revolutionary. And she’s not just talking the talk, she regularly shares photos of herself looking… absolutely normal. For instance, first thing in the morning after a bad night with her youngest, on holiday in a bikini, make-up free on the school run.
And these images stand out in a sea of filtered, edited, fake perfection. Maybe that’s what infuriates some people out there so much. She refuses to judge herself by anyone else’s standards, or to play by the messed-up rules that have brainwashed so many of us.
This once teenage mum, who survived The X Factor experience (which seemed brutal at the time, never mind all the allegations coming to light now) has confounded expectations by being not just still well known, but more successful than ever 15 years later.
We should all try to be a bit more Stacey Solomon. Because it turns out that when you’re truly content with who you are, both inside and out, no one can touch you – no matter how cruel their comments may be. Good for her. And also, apologies, Stacey, for all the bitter internet idiots who will take that as a challenge.
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