Samantha Brick article 'not a PR stunt'

Samantha Brick, writing for the Daily Mail, garnered thousands of responses after writing about the perils of being beautiful - a tale fraught with jealous female bosses and random men bestowing gifts on her, all because of her "pleasing appearance and pretty smile".

The reaction was far from positive though - including less than complimentary remarks about Samantha's looks, spoof Twitter accounts and general outrage over what was perceived as either her arrogance or delusion.

And the 41-year-old insists that only proves her point.

"Women fall into two categories," Samantha said, dividing them into those left green-eyed with envy and the chosen few who share her rose-tinted experiences of life.

Do I think I’m attractive? Yes, I do ... And I believe that’s the perception of me.

Samantha Brick

Confirming that the article was her idea rather than something she was asked to write, she said she had originally chosen the headline: "Why does the sisterhood hate attractive women?" to prompt debate about how women treat each other.

"If you're a woman reading this, I'd hazard that you've already formed your own opinion about me - and it won't be very flattering," Samantha wrote.

"For while many doors have been opened (literally) as a result of my looks, just as many have been metaphorically slammed in my face - and usually by my own sex."

I honestly thought the whole Samantha Brick thing was a clever publicity ruse ...but having met her , I believe she believes what she says .

— Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) April 5, 2012

While Eamonn joked that he had been approached to write about how hard it was to be attractive - but graciously declined the offer - Ruth admitted she was offended by presumptions of jealousy.

"Maybe it's not that women don't like beautiful women," she suggested. "They just don't like arrogant women. Or men for that matter."

And guest psychologist Emma Kenny appeared to share that view.

"If, as a women, I am met everywhere I go by a certain reaction from people - and, for example, that reaction is negative ... I have to, in the end, embrace the fact that actually it might be me that needs to change," she said.

But ultimately Samantha claims to have no regrets about her controversial article, despite the "thousands of vile messages and the rubbish on Twitter", and neither is she backing down from her stance.

Beauty may be a poisoned chalice - but at least a handsome admirer might provide the bubbly to put in it ...

Watch Samantha Brick on This Morning on the UTV Player