Anna Whitehouse's explosive reply to trolls who judged her for having baby a year after divorce

Mother Pukka influencer Anna Whitehouse, who recently welcomed her third child, has opened up about just how dramatically her life has changed over the last year - with her new relationship accelerating at a speed that has provoked criticism from some

'Mumfluencer' Anna Whitehouse - aka Mother Pukka - has hit back at those who criticised her for welcoming another child just one year after her bombshell divorce.

For many years, journalist turned social media activist Anna has given followers an insight into her life as a wife and mother - offering a refreshingly honest look at the various ups and downs of parenting whilst juggling work commitments. But when she and husband Matt 'Papa Pukka' Farquharson announced they were 'kindly untangling' from one another in September 2023, after 17 years together, fans naturally felt saddened.

And when she swiftly found love with new fiancé Olly Bretton, many didn't hold back with their shock. The bride and groom to be, who publicly announced their engagement in May, fell head over heels for each other shortly after Anna's split from Matt, and have recently welcomed a baby girl named Lola.

Unfortunately, not everybody was forthcoming with their congratulations, and Anna faced plenty of criticism from those who felt it had all moved too 'fast', even from close friends. Now Anna has responded to those who've passed judgement on her for finding her 'happier ever after' at whirwind speed.

In a piece penned for the Mail Online, Anna, who made The Independent's 50 Most Influential Women list earlier this year, opened up about her rollercoaster relationship with 40-year-old lawyer Ollie, who she matched with on dating app Hinge. Both of them already had two children each from their previous relationships, and didn't imagine they'd welcome any more together.

However, as shared by Anna, the connection was 'instantly clear' and by the time they jetted off on a romantic New Year's break to Thailand - just one month after their first date - they were already in love. It was there that they decided to get engaged and spend the rest of their lives together.

Anna recalled: "Sitting on plastic chairs on the beach one evening, sipping Chang beer, he turned to me and said: 'If it wasn't for the judgment of everyone else, I'd ask you to marry me right now'. I replied: 'If it wasn't for the judgment of everyone else, I would ask you to marry me too'. Then I looked at him and asked: 'Will you marry me?' I can't put into words how happy I felt when he held my hand and said: 'I will'."

Once back home in London, Anna delightedly announced the news via social media, and received a somewhat bemused response from some followers, who were stunned by the break-neck pace of the romance. Announcing the joyful news via Instagram at the time, Anna shared: "Can't stop smiling. Still can't quite believe it. Here's to a very different, blended love story."

However Anna has since revealed: "One or two people were predictably quick to respond with: 'That's fast!' Maybe it was, but we're both at a stage of life where we know what makes us happy. Of course, people are entitled to their opinions, but what wasn't fair was the suggestion that I was having some kind of 'midlife crisis'."

She went on to declare that her two daughters have 'never been happier' and although not everyone agrees with their 'new normal', it feels right for them. Friends too expressed concern over how quickly things were progressing, but have since come around after seeing just how happy Olly made Anna, and vice versa.

Soon after shopping for engagement rings, the love birds began trying for a baby, and in March, the sight of a positive pregnancy test left Anna feeling 'utterly euphoric'. Announcing her pregnancy back in June, Anna told her loyal Instagram followers: "Still can’t quite believe it. To be pregnant at 43. A little [baby emoji] between our four kids; Our blended family. Happiness doesn’t cover it. I didn’t dare dream it would happen but, then, there’s always hope and here he/she is. Hope.

"Thank you in advance for being kind in comments. It’s been a journey and your support has meant more than you might realise in the lower - and higher - moments. There is a lot of shame/judgement in moving-on post-separation and I’d love that to change. And huge love to my family, friends and partner Olly for truly holding me in getting here."

However, yet again, Anna had to face the judgement of others. Deep down she knew she'd made the right decision, and couldn't be happier with her 'mosaic family'.

Anna continued: "I know critics, who fear it will all go up in flames, might insist: 'The lady doth protest too much'. I'm speaking about it because I wish somebody had told me sooner that, on the other side of divorce, there is, perhaps, a happier-ever-after. Just not one you often see depicted in Disney films and fairytales."

The mum-of-three went on to acknowledge her privilege in that she was financially able to walk away from her marriage - with her and her ex able to live in separate homes - appreciating that some people 'feel stuck'. She revealed she knows of some women who tragically don't know how they can break free.

On October 24, Anna introduced baby Lola to the world, with the mumfluencer penning the following sweet statement via Instagram: "She's here. A bit of a rocky start but little Lola arrived four weeks ahead of schedule at 9.51pm on Sunday night and we just couldn't be happier. Or more relieved.

"Thank you for all your kind messages over the last 72-hours and for the love you've shown our little family over the last nine months. We are feeling so very in love."

After launching online community Mother Pukka in 2015, Heart Radio presenter Anna went on to host the award-winning podcast Dirty Mother Pukka. he's even penned two bestselling books - Parenting the Sh*t of out of Life and Where's My Happy Ending?, which she co-authored with husband Matt, and has become known for her candid writing style and focus on relatable issues - from flexible working to maternity leave.

Now, as she navigates life with a newborn, Anna has helped shine a light on blended families that come in all shapes and sizes, as do happily ever afters.

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