A Place In The Sun presenter Laura Hamilton has defended herself after facing criticism over a recent Instagram video in which she carried out garden chores in a bikini and wellies. The property expert, who has been on the show for 14 years, said she is keen to let fans see a different side to her personality.
Backlash over light-hearted clip
In the video, Laura could be seen trimming hedges, tidying the garden and dancing along to music. She captioned the post: "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?"
While many of her 243,000 Instagram followers praised the clip, it also attracted criticism from some trolls. Laura said she was told about an email from someone who had decided to unfollow her.
Laura's response to criticism
Speaking exclusively to us, Laura said: "I've been doing property since I was 19 and you want to make sure that you come across in a serious way and people take you seriously with what you're putting out there. But equally, I don't want to take away from the fact of who I am. And, you know, I have got a fun side to my personality and it's finding that balance."
She revealed: "Shelly, who works really closely with me, said, 'You know what, somebody's emailed this morning saying, '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'."
Dealing with negativity
Laura fumed: "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'. The majority of people are very positive, but then you always get the negative Nancy's that are like, 'Oh, your kids must be so proud of you' and you're like, 'Don't follow me then'."
She elaborated: "I did it like as a joke, but then it's that thing [about balance], that doesn't take away from the fact that I have been doing property since I was 19. I still know my stuff." Rather than engaging with the criticism, Laura said she simply blocks and deletes negative comments as soon as she sees them and focuses on the positive ones instead.
New ventures
Alongside her work on A Place In The Sun, Laura has launched her own YouTube channel dedicated to all things property. The channel features practical tips, clever hacks and advice on everything from buying and selling property to renovations, interior design and investing in homes both in the UK and overseas. It also offers an exclusive look at Laura's own renovation projects and the lessons she's learned along the way.
Laura is also preparing to launch her new home brand, Laura Hamilton Home, which will be available via her website and in stores soon.
