Georgina Burnett has been slammed over a 'deeply hurtful' April Fool's attempt after posting a surprise announcement with her followers on Tuesday morning hinting she was expecting a baby.
The This Morning star shared the 'news' with her fans on Instagram on April 1, alluding to a pregnancy announcement by cradling a bump under her jumper - but all was not as it seemed.
Not everyone was impressed by Georgina's attempt at an April Fool, with one person condemning the choice, writing: 'Not funny if this is an April Fool's joke,' while another branded her 'embarrassing'.
Georgina has since deleted the post and instead added one wishing her cat Dexter a happy birthday.
Georgina, 46, often appears on This Morning to show off her upcycled household items and give tips on home improvement, decluttering and styling.
The black and white image was taken from the side in her home's hallway and Georgina's face was masked by her dark hair.
Georgina shared the 'news' with her fans on Instagram on April 1, alluding to a pregnancy announcement by cradling a bump under her jumper
Georgina reshared the post on her Instagram Story and captioned both images 'news!', as she encouraged fans to click through to the announcement
Georgina often appears on This Morning to show off her upcycled household items and give tips on home improvement, decluttering and styling
Georgina reshared the post on her Instagram Story and captioned both images 'news!', as she encouraged fans to click through to the announcement.
However, due to the date being April Fool's, many of her followers were sceptical about whether her pregnancy was genuine.
Confirming that her 'news' was in fact a ruse, Georgina commented on each person's message underneath the image with a 'wink' emoji.
Taking to the comments, fans were quick to hit out at the TV personality for her insensitive gag.
They penned: 'As a grown adult you actually think this is funny? Embarrassing.'
'I’m sure you’ve meant no offence but this is in incredibly poor taste.'
'This is deeply hurtful to the huge number of women suffering with infertility. Did you know 1/4 of pregnancies end in miscarriage and 1/6 of couples have trouble falling pregnant? You would do well to consider this before making “jokes” about such sensitive topics in the future.'
'Incredibly insensitive if this is a joke.'
Not everyone was impressed by Georgina's attempt an an April Fool, with one person writing: 'Not funny if this is an April Fool's joke', while another branded her 'embarrassing'
'Yikes, not funny at all.'
The move is considered insensitive to women who have struggled with fertility issues.
The day before April Fool's Day, pregnancy and baby loss charity Tommy's shared a post highlighting why fake pregnancy announcements are such, as they highlighted the heartbreaking statistics surrounding baby loss and infertility.
They penned: 'With April Fool's Day tomorrow, some people may be preparing to prank their loved ones by announcing a fake pregnancy.
'But, for the thousands of people in the UK struggling during or after pregnancy complications, fertility problems or loss, these fake pregnancy announcements are not a joke.
'Some people who have had a difficult pregnancy journey might not have shared this with their friends or family. And photos of scans or pregnancy tests can be hard to look at even when they're real, meaning pranks like this can be especially hurtful.
'We're here for everyone going through pregnancy, premature birth and loss. Find support, or speak to our dedicated midwives on our website at any time ❤️.'
Back in 2022, Kerry Katona was forced to apologise after fans slammed her for posting a fake pregnancy announcement for April Fool's Day.
The mother of five, who is no longer able to carry children herself, admitted she was mortified when the post was shared on her public account, rather than on her private one which she keeps for close friends and family.
Fans were quick to react to Georgina's attempt an an April Fool
Georgina has since deleted the post and instead added one wishing her cat Dexter a happy birthday
Kerry has been criticised online by fans for posting the 'hurtful' pregnancy announcement, but she insists that she never meant any harm by the post.
A spokesperson for Kerry, explained: 'It was an April Fools joke for her partner Ryan but she posted it to her public account and not her private one with very close friends by accident.
'Kerry herself cannot have any more children due to medical issues and has openly spoken about this in the past. She sincerely apologises to anyone who is offended and would never post anything to purposely upset anyone.'
However eagle-eyed followers still spotted the post and took to Twitter to share their dismay that Kerry had made the poor taste joke, with one person branding the post 'insensitive' and claiming it 'wasn't funny at all'.
But, this didn't stop Georgina form following suit after Kerry's poor judgement.
Despite the announcement appearing legit, most of her followers didn't fall fowl to the prank and admitted they knew she was joking.
They said: 'You're going to be a Michael Jackson impressionist. Tehe. Shamon!'; 'Good or bad news?'; 'April Fool's Georgina ,you look good pregnant'; 'Immaculate';
'Good one'; 'Pinch or punch... puppy or a kitty?'; 'Nearly had me!'; 'Another baby! Amazing!; '...but we haven't met yet (wink emoji)'.
The day before April Fool's Day, pregnancy and baby loss charity Tommy's shared a post highlighting why fake pregnancy announcements can be insensitive
The charity highlighted the heartbreaking stats surrounding baby loss and infertility
Others said: 'I was like... "really" but then I looked at the date (laughing face emoji)'; 'April Fool's.... good morning most beautiful girl in the world'.
Georgina announced on Valentine's Day in 2023 that she had split from her husband Andy Flawn after more than 20 years together.
She shared the news via her respective social media platforms as she provided fans with a love life update on February 14.
Explaining that she doesn't want a 'pity party', she noted that she was looking forward to a 'happier chapter as a fortunate single mum'.
She shares one daughter with her estranged husband, who she met at university and has been with for over 20 years. She is also mum to another child.
Sharing the news, Georgina didn't say when she and Andy had called it quits, but did note that she's been 'dealing with' the marriage breakdown over the last year.
She penned: 'It’s time for me to share some personal news for a change. Something I’ve been dealing with this past year is my marriage splitting up.
In 2022, Kerry Katona was forced to apologise after fans slammed her for posting a fake pregnancy announcement for April Fool's Day
The mother of five, who is no longer able to carry children herself, admitted she was mortified when the post was shared on her public account, rather than on her private one which she keeps for close friends and family
'Never easy for anyone, especially the kids, but don’t worry, I’m not alone today and I’m excited about my next happier chapter and making the most of my life as a very fortunate single mum.
Explaining that she didn't want sympathy from friends and followers, the presenter added: 'So please no pity party, I’m moving on and just want to talk skirting boards today - which one would you go for?
'Sending love to anyone who is finding today difficult for any reason and may you find happiness in whatever you do.'
Having noted that she 'wasn't alone' on Valentine's Day, Georgina had her daughter for company, as the pair enjoyed some heart shaped pancakes for breakfast.
Replying to her tweet, many followers reached out to the blogger to send their support, as one wrote: 'Not a pity party but sending love to you at what just be a difficult time of upheaval.'
'Oh bless you Georgie, I'm glad to hear you've looking at it as a beginning rather than an end though, keep smiling x,' wrote another.
While she was also formerly a BBC weather forecaster and news reporter for regions all across the UK.
Georgina even blended family and work life last year as she brought her daughter to This Morning.
Her Instagram account features snaps with This Morning hosts Dermot O'Leary, Josie Gibson and Alison Hammond.
Georgina shares a daughter with Andy, and admitted that she is looking forward to the next chapter as a single mum
Company: Having noted that she 'wasn't alone' on Valentine's Day, Georgina had her daughter for company, as the pair enjoyed a heart-shaped breakfast
