Loose Women host Jamelia defends comments on banning plus size clothes in shops

Loose Women host Jamelia has apologised for offending people with her comments that plus size clothes should be banned from shops.

The 34-year-old appeared on Good Morning Britain to respond to the backlash she has received for claiming that retail stores selling larger sizes are promoting an unhealthy body image.

Speaking on GMB, Jamelia said: "Watching it back I can see how number one, papers are able to regurgitate the story which makes it much more sensational... I didn't make it clear on the show that I was talking about extremes ... above a size 20 and below a size six."

When presenter Kate Garraway suggested it would be upsetting for people if they could not buy clothes in their sizes on the high street, the mother-of-one responded: "I do agree with what you are saying.

"Knowing I offended people really upset me and knowing I made people question themselves and their choices. All I can do is apologise for that."

However, the Thank You singer made it clear that she is sticking with her opinion, adding: "But I do stand by what I said – I am a real women with real opinions. I'm not here to play some villain. It's not that, I get paid to voice my opinion. Occasionally you offend people."

Jamelia's comments could not have come at a worse time as GMB is running a campaign titled #SelfieEsteem, to encourage young children to appreciate their bodies.

Acknowledging that she could have affected viewers, she continued: "I understand that I offended people. That does upset me but I do believe we are all entitled to our opinions. As are the people who have hounded me on Twitter and Instagram. I get it. One of the things I would also like to reiterate is I genuinely love people.

"Everyone has a right to feel wonderful and feel beautiful and it was never my intention to make people feel any less than what they are."

Jamelia made the comments during a discussion on Loose Women, arguing: "I think everyone should have access to lovely clothes, BUT I do not think it's right to facilitate people living an unhealthy lifestyle.

"I don't believe stores should stock clothes below or above a certain weight. They should be made to feel uncomfortable when they go in and can't find a size."