Kerry Katona defends smoking while pregnant

Kerry Katona has defended smoking mother-to-be Stacey Solomon, saying it does not count because she only smokes low-tar cigarettes.

Katona, who smoked while pregnant herself, said the fuss over Solomon's habit had probably caused more harm than the cigarettes. Katona claimed doctors advised her that she would be fine smoking "the odd one", because stressing about it would be even more damaging.

She said former X Factor star Solomon probably wanted to smoke even more because of the worry.

Katona, who says she has suffered from bipolar disorder and has had drug problems, said it would be common for women in the past to smoke and drink throughout their pregnancies.