Lauren Goodger recently revealed that she was mortified over her appearance whilst holidaying in Egypt last month.

The 28-year-old admitted she was unhappy with her bikini body, adding: "I feel disgusted. I look like a beached whale."

Shortly after the photographs landed online, Michelle Heaton took to Twitter to rant about celebrities who 'deliberately put on weight'.

She wrote: "If I see one more 'celeb' deliberately put weight on .. Just to loose it 'overnight' to sell 'weight loss' DVDs I may have to scream!

"... Weigh loss is not overnight & neither is putting it on! Can we promote healthy weight loss people ? #justsaying #rantover and breath! [sic]"

However, while many assumed she was making a dig at Lauren, Michelle insisted her rant was aimed at nobody in particular.

And, today, she has offered support to the Essex girl via her own column.

Michelle said: "I’m sure you’ve all seen the recent bikini photos of Lauren looking, as she put it herself, "like a beached whale".

"I wouldn’t have used those words myself – you're being a bit harsh on yourself and a lot of people would disagree.

"Lauren's said she struggles with her weight in the past and that she’s unhappy and wants to do something about it."

She continued: "As someone whose weight has fluctuated after having two babies and an abdominal hysterectomy, I know only too well how hard it is to lose it.

"It’s not an overnight thing."

Michelle finished: "Losing weight should be about changing your lifestyle.

"I hope Lauren is getting some positive advice. I'm afraid there’s no easy way to do it – I should know as I’ve tried all variety of weight-loss techniques.

"Good luck on your journey to happiness, Lauren."

Wise words - we wonder how Lauren will respond?