Kerry Katona has defended Stacey Solomon after she was criticised for smoking whilst pregnant.

Former X Factor singer Solomon got herself in hot water after being snapped puffing on cigarettes despite being seven months pregnant - something which she said she regretted doing.

Speaking in her OK! magazine column, former Atomic Kitten Katona said that there is "no harm in having the odd puff" if it helps relieve stress. She said:

"It's absolutely ridiculous how much stick Stacey Solomon has been getting for smoking while pregnant. Everyone knows it's wrong and I don't condone it, but when I was pregnant doctors told me that if not smoking stresses you out, having the odd one is okay because stress is more damaging to the baby. There's no harm having the odd puff now and then."

She added that the type of cigarette Solomon smoked "aren't even like having a cigarette" and that her own mother also smoked when pregnant with baby Kerry. She said:

"She only smokes Silk Cut which aren't even like having a cigarette because you have to puff so hard. My mum smoked all the way through her pregnancy with me and I turned out in the best of health!"