Catherine Tyldesley responds to mum-shamers who labelled her 'chubby' and 'selfish'

Coronation Street's Catherine Tyldesley has hit back at mum-shamers after being criticised for keeping fit during her pregnancy, and after welcoming her son.

The actress was criticised by social media trolls for not only trying to keep in shape during her pregnancy with son Alfie, but for going to the gym since her son's arrival.

In her most recent column for Hello! magazine, new mum Catherine addresses the pressure that mums feel to both stay in shape and be the perfect parent - a struggle that many other mums will relate to.

Catherine has spoken out previously about the benefits of staying active while pregnant and the unfair comments she received for this. The star noted, 'During my pregnancy I was criticised for weight training (by people who have zero knowledge about the wonderful benefits of keeping fit while pregnant)'

But it seems the 32-year-old mum can't get it right, after receiving negative comments not only about staying in shape now she's a mum, but also looking 'chubby' while still trying to lose her baby weight.

She said, 'Once I'd had my baby, I was by, a small minority of trolls called "chubby". The same trolls then called me "selfish" for spending time at the gym: "It's a spare hour that you should be with your son"'.

Now, the actress, mother and wife feels guilty from the pressure to give up her 'me' time, explaining 'from the day my child arrived guilt overwhelmed me'.

'It makes me happy and I think it's so important to still have "me" time. I'm extremely hands on - sometimes nipping home in my lunch hour just to get a 10 minute cuddle. I'm including Alfie in all aspects of my life. I can only do my best- and that's what I aim for each day. I hope I do you proud Alfie.'

Catherine recently married personal trainer Tom Pitford, father to Alfie, in a glamorous celebration and the pair are currently enjoying a lavish honeymoon in Dubai.