Former X Factor contestant Stacey Solomon has admitted her regret at being pictured smoking whilst being seven months pregnant.

Solomon was caught on camera smoking some cigarettes, prompting some dissenters to question the singer's actions.

However, she told The People that the habit helps deal with her stress and that she "desperately" wants to stop. She said:

"I know it doesn't look good but I only have a few cigs a day. I don't think I've let down my fans, But I do get a little stressed at times and a ciggie helps me calm down. I desperately want to stop ­smoking and I don't want to set a bad example. It's a tough habit to break but I'm going to give it my best shot."

Solomon's publicist Max Clifford meanwhile told The Sun: 

"Stacey has been smoking maximum one or two cigarettes a day but she is desperately trying to quit. She's very embarrassed about it all and is hoping all this will maybe push her into giving up."