Laura Hamilton, presenter of Channel 4's A Place in the Sun, has responded to criticism after sharing a video of herself gardening in a leopard-print bikini and wellies. The 44-year-old posted the clip on Instagram on Sunday, showing her pruning hedges, clearing leaves, and driving a lawn tractor while dancing to music.
Light-hearted post draws mixed reactions
In the caption, Hamilton joked: "Trimming my bush … the glamorous side of gardening. Bikini, tractor, sunshine and a bit of hard work — what more could you ask for? What's your favourite garden job… or the one you'd happily leave to someone else?" The video received praise from fans, including ITV meteorologist Laura Tobin, who commented: "Putting us all to shame."
However, Hamilton later learned from a colleague that she had received hate mail from someone who had unfollowed her because of the upload. The email read: "We're not following Laura anymore because we were interested in her property renovation in Mallorca, but she just looks like she's messing around and being silly, and we'd rather follow somebody that's more serious."
Hamilton's response to critics
Addressing the backlash, Hamilton said: "Somebody actually took the time to send that email. And I was like, 'You know what, don't even bother responding. Don't even give them the time of day.'" She added: "The majority of people are very positive, but then you always get the negative Nancys that are like, 'Oh, your kids must be so proud of you,' and you're like, 'Don't follow me then.'"
This comes days after Hamilton spoke about the death of Annette Kilgore, 69, who appeared on A Place in the Sun with her husband Malcolm Timbrell. The couple had purchased a home in Spain, but wildfires tore through the region, and Spanish reports confirmed 13 deaths, including Annette.
In an interview with The Daily Express, Hamilton said: "That was devastating ... it was Leah's house hunters, and she had been filming with those people, and you know, I get it. It must just be awful for her because she helped them. All I can say is I feel so awful for the poor couple and their families, and everyone, actually, who has been affected by the fires; it's very sad."
