Being in the public limelight is a daily activity for many celebrities, but when it comes to protecting their loved ones, it can be hugely problematic - especially when it comes to their children. And while she's been in the spotlight for nearly 15 years, Kimberley Walsh has revealed the struggles she's had to deal with since becoming a mother. "Being in the industry did put me off from having children," she exclusively told HELLO!."I knew it would be very high profile and I knew that I wouldn't be able to be the mum I would want to be. That's why I waited until the band kind of dispersed before I had my kids."
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The 35-year-old is a doting mother to two beautiful sons, two-year-old Bobby and three-month-old Cole, whom she shares with husband Justin Scott. She found fame in 2002 when she auditioned for ITV's Popstars: The Rivals, where she joined Girls Aloud. Speaking about becoming fiercely protective since becoming a mother, Kimberley added: "There is a lot of press attention, especially when you have new babies. For some reason they get obsessed. I think that was the only time in my whole career – I've been doing this for 15 years in the public eye - that I was bothered by the press attention. When it's actually on you and you're struggling with a new baby - it's not much fun."
WATCH: Kimberley introduces baby Cole in this sweet behind-the-scenes video
Recalling one incident during a low-key shopping spree with her eldest son, she said: "I remember when they were trying to take pictures of me when I was in Mothercare, I was in the carpark and I was struggling to put the pram in the car. They actually really bothered me that they were taking pictures of me and my child. He was crying and I was struggling - I think that's where the line is for me."
Exclusive! Kimberley Walsh and Justin Scott introduce their baby son, Cole
Kimberley went on to add that despite loving all the fame that comes with her job, she would prefer to have full control over her children's privacy. "I have done shoots with HELLO! and it's partly to do with me having that control myself," she explained. "They [press] took pictures of me leaving the hospital, I bought that picture back from the paparazzi in order to put my own pictures of my children out - purely because I want that control. I suppose you can't have it both ways because some people would judge that. What I choose to put out there should be my choice and to hound somebody at the hospital is not acceptable."