Jennifer Metcalfe reveals why she shared a candid post-baby pic FOUR WEEKS after giving birth

New mum and Hollyoaks actress Jennifer Metcalfe (opens in new tab) has revealed why she shared a candid snap of her post-baby body just four weeks after giving birth.

Jennifer welcomed her first child, son Daye, with her boyfriend, 32-year-old Greg Lake, four months ago and the new family live together in Newcastle. After 11 years playing Mercedes McQueen on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, the 35-year-old is taking a year's maternity leave.

Talking exclusively to Fabulous magazine, the brunette beauty credited ex-Geordie Shore starGreg with giving her the self-confidence she used to lack.

'Greg has been incredible,' she said. 'He just loves me when I look like a scraggly cat, as we call it, when I have no make-up on and my hair's scraped back and a little scruffy. He's really helped me embrace me.'

This, perhaps, explains why Jennifer was happy to share a candid snap of herself on Instagram four weeks post-birth looking glowing and healthy while wearing just a bra and knickers.

'That was to say we don't all look perfect,' she explained. 'You can look perfect if you want all the filters, but this is the reality, too. I can't be bothered with a filter.'

The new mum admits that she's always struggled with diets and exercise, adding: 'I think a lot of girls do in their 20s.'

'But there are bigger things in life than how you look, or a little bit of fat, or cellulite or a stretch mark. It just doesn't really matter.'

'I think women's bodies are amazing.'

The star goes on to say that the fact women can give birth is 'just incredible'.

Jennifer's birth was a 'good experience', even though it was a little scary when Daye's heartbeat dropped and his cord was in a knot.

'The midwives made me feel like superwoman! I'd do 10 hour labours over pregnancy again,' she declared.

When the subject of more kids came up the star told Fabulous: 'I have days like: "We need to do this again, I want five" and days where I'm like: "I'm not sure, should we adopt?" Ask me this time next year!'