Jools Oliver hits back at criticism after 'showing off' her post-baby figure

Jools Oliver has hit back at criticism after she posted an Instagram snap of herself sporting some fitted trousers that she was happy to 'almost' be back into, just weeks after giving birth to son River Rocket.

The wife of celebrity chef Jamie posted the picture with a caption that read, 'Thank you to the fab girls @aceandjig finally 'almost' fitting into these gorgeous trousers so comfy post little baby and beyond @nadianarain think we have finally found our perfect trousers ❤️ xxx'

However, not long after the photo was uploaded, user @yasmin_agg left a comment which called Jools' motivation for sharing it into question.

'Just saw a newspaper article about this photo and thought I'd come on here to comment (I dont usually comment on such things!)' she said.

'I am currently pregnant with my 2nd baby. And every minute of every day Im scrutinising my weight etc...pictures like this by naturally slim women DO NOT help!'

'Shouldnt you be more concerned about bonding with your child rather than how quickly you fit back into your jeans? How is this supposed to help other women in the same situation who doesnt snap back so quickly? @joolsoliver'

Jools, however, was quick to respond to the message, saying that she didn't intend to draw attention to her weight at all, and the post was simply a celebration of 'a nice pic of a pair of good trews'.

'Honestly it's about the trousers!!! I didn't even think about the weight!!!' the mum-of-five replied.

'For god sake I still have heaps to lose as I said earlier my teashirt hides a lot!! It was mearly a shout out to the lovely girls who sent me the trousers nothing more. I hardly EVER put pictures up of myself and certainly not a 'selfie' I am confident with my body before during and after pregnancy and totally get that things don't go back to normal for at least 6 months to a year! If at all and after 5 babies I should know.'

'The waist of the trousers is elasticated!!!!! So prob would have fitted when I was 9 months pregs! As for bonding with my baby... I feel no need to address this it's ridiculous.'

'So please next time if I irritate you just unfollow me it was just meant to be a nice pic of a pair of good trews but has to turn in to a weight issue seems a bit weird to me and a totally shame!'

Many of Jools' 390,000 followers picked up on the interaction, and left her supportive messages defending her choice to share the image.

'Wow how much jealousy? You don't need to explain yourself to this bunch of 'green with envy, skinny hating' mums. Go you with your lovely figure and those gorgeous trousers, ignore the self loathing hoards!' @ldelaney1978 exclaimed, whilst @jacquih_lyfesluvs added, 'You look amazing and good for you! The trolls on here insulting you are just jealous and bored!'

Jamie's mother Sally also got involved in the debate: 'Jools - there are always chippy nutters on social media, so don't forget, a quick 'delete' and 'block' is quicker than having to defend yourself (albeit very sweetly) against some troll looking for someone to blame for their own unsatisfactory existence. Very touching to read all the comments from your lovely followers, all leaping to your defence. Bless them all 😘😘😘.'