People have commented on my body all my life... now it's in a good way

Grantchester star Melissa Johns on why she loves being pregnant

- BY SUE CRAWFORD

ACTRESS Melissa Johns says pregnancy has made her love her body for the first time after a lifetime of loathing her disability.

The Grantchester star, who was born without a right forearm, grew up enduring cruel taunts from other children and still faces foul comments from other adults today.

But the 35-year-old says having a baby bump has changed everything and finally taught her to be happy with the way she looks.

Melissa and her husband Dan Hampton were flooded with celebratory messages after she posted a picture of Dan cradling her bump on a beach. The reaction had a big impact on her.

Melissa, who plays police secretary Jennifer Scott in the ITVX drama, says: "I have a history of loathing my body. It came from society telling me it was wrong.

"But there is so much positivity around pregnant bodies and I like what I see in the mirror now. It feels lovely."

ANXIETY

Disability activist Melissa recalls feeling "different" from a young age. She says: "We were playing tag in the playground and someone said, 'If you touch Melissa, you've got Melissa disease'. It was like a punch to my stomach."