Fans of Stacey Solomon have come to her support after she was chastised for purchasing a vacation for her extended family as a Christmas present.
The mother-of-five, who married long-term husband Joe Swash last year, keeps followers up to speed on her life at ‘Pickle Cottage,’ from renovations to TV work to raising her children.
Allowing followers into her life exposes Stacey to criticism, and last year the celebrity pair were chastised for spending tens of thousands of pounds on a luxurious visit to Turkey – but receiving a discount for posting their journey on social media.
Now, as a Christmas present, the singer has paid for 20 people to go on a luxurious trip, sharing a snapshot of her extended family opening their cards with the revelation inside, as well as a photo of them all bathing in warm seas at the beach.
‘A wonderful Christmas,’ she wrote. We got to surprise our folks for the first time ever for Christmas. I’ve never felt more grateful or fortunate. I never imagined I’d be able to achieve this in my wildest fantasies. We arrived in heaven after 10 hours and 20 of us. Everyone should have a Merry Christmas. We all send you our love.’
Some chastised Stacey for spending so much money on a present, while others chastised her for sharing it online, when others are struggling due to the cost of living problem.
Lucy McAdden wrote on her post: ‘It gets a bit too much exposing the wealth that other [people] can’t dream of. You can’t be a working class hero and a mega spender.’
Iwocherry said: ‘Sadly most people are really struggling atm it’s the worst it’s been for decades – lovely Stacey can do this but maybe don’t post such in-depth details on social media. Sometimes private is best.’
Beth said it is ‘a big thing when you’re taking a lot of people on a holiday over the festive period when there’s going to be families etc sitting paining themselves for being unable to afford Christmas. I personally think she didn’t need to post it on Insta and could have just enjoyed a private family holiday.’
And Keelz Smith argued: ‘I just wonder when lots of people are struggling financially to even get through Christmas, whether this really needs to be shared. I think people forget that posting everything on social media is optional.’
But Stacey’s admirers came out in force, with many responding to Keelz’s statement that following Stacey and seeing her postings was voluntary.
Kirsty Clayton asked why ‘people are being so jealous of them,’ saying ‘we all work hard but Stacey started off being a single parent and going without’ before getting her big break, and that she and Joe ‘are allowed to go on holiday and have quality time together with the family.’
Katie Katherine admitted she was ‘jealous’ but ‘I can guarantee if I … saved up enough to take everyone I loved way I absolutely would be showing it off … people in life can afford things others can’t, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t let people be happy.’
Tasha Carroll agreed ‘It’s really nice to share on social media, it’s not rubbing it in people’s faces it’s just being proud of the journey she’s come on.’
She added: ‘I think it’s absolutely amazing to be able to treat the people closest to her and the ones that have been on her path with her to all of this.’
And Lauraa Drakeennis said: ‘Isn’t it the dream to be able to do that for your family! I know it’s a dream of mine. Well done Stacy, be proud of yourself and Joe and the beautiful family you’ve built. Enjoy your holiday!’
Joe previously addressed the criticism he and Stacey had received for their Turkey trip over the summer, saying you’ve ‘got to take the rough with the smooth.’
He told The Mirror: ‘We’re in the public eye so you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth and not everyone is going to agree with us.
‘We work really hard and we try to take our kids on holiday. We only work hard so we can spend more time and do more things with our family.
‘People are going to have a go but it’s fine they’re allowed their opinion and we take it with a pinch of salt.’
His comments came after Stacey urged anyone offended or upset by her posts to ‘unfollow’ her.’
‘If me sharing our holiday doesn’t make you feel good then unfollow or just mute me or something,’ she urged.
‘I love coming on here and sharing things so much and I love our community on here.
‘All I ever want is to take you on the adventure with us and hopefully make you smile along the way.’