Van Outen slams soap star over new mother jibes
Denise Van Outen launched an online rant against EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy today after being stung by jibes about returning to work early as a new mother.
Cassidy, who gave birth a month ago, had been critical of actress and presenter Van Outen’s decision to start working within weeks of having daughter Betsy.
But she was today accused of hypocrisy after appearing on-screen with her new daughter Eliza.
Cassidy – who stars in a new E4 show about her path to motherhood – gave an interview recently in which she said: “Denise van Outen went back to work after two weeks because she said she needed to feel normal again.
“I just think ’What have you had a child for? Having a child should be your job’.”
But outraged Van Outen started posting messages on social networking site Twitter after she spotted her critic on ITV’s Lorraine show this morning.
“Natalie Cassidy criticised me for going back to work after having Betsy. Natalie’s on Lorraine show now promoting her reality pregnancy/new mum show. Isn’t that work?”
She continued: “She said she did the show for money, so yes, that is work. Pot calling!”
A clearly miffed Van Outen was also dismissive of a magazine deal Cassidy struck for her new baby pictures.
“We put our family picture out (to) press to raise money for Great Ormond street, she did a family shot and put the money in her pocket. End of rant.”
Van Outen – who is to join the cast of West End hit Legally Blonde – added: “She can stick her trumpet where the sun don’t shine.” Cassidy’s Albert Square character Sonia plays the trumpet.
Van Outen, who is married to musical star Lee Mead, drew criticism not only for her quick return to work but also her decision to stop breast feeding.
She stopped after three weeks saying she had found it difficult and was concerned about doing so in the public eye. It led to her complaining that some women were bullied into it.
Cassidy’s E4 show Natalie Cassidy: Becoming Mum, in which she and partner Adam Cottrell are followed as they prepare for parenthood, begins tomorrow at 10pm.
