PIERS Morgan has ripped into Cosmopolitan magazine for using a plus sized model on the cover.

Tess Holliday, 33, shows off her tattoos as she poses in a green one-piece while blowing a kiss in the striking shot.

5 Piers Morgan has ripped into Cosmopolitan magazine for using a plus sized model on the cover Credit: Instagram/tess holliday

But Good Morning Britain host Piers, 53, isn't impressed, sharing the cover on Instagram and writing: "As Britain battles an ever-worsening obesity crisis, this is the new cover of Cosmo.

"Apparently we’re supposed to view it as a ‘huge step forward for body positivity.’ What a load of old baloney. This cover is just as dangerous & misguided as celebrating size zero models."

His post has been liked more than 7,000 times in two hours and has many comments in support of his words.

5 Good Morning Britain host Piers, 53, isn't impressed Credit: Getty Images - Getty

5 Tess previously spoke of her excitement at landing the coveted cover slot Credit: Instagram/tess holliday

But Tess, who is 5ft 5ins tall and weighs 20 stone (280lbs), has now responded to the criticism aimed at her and Cosmo, posting on Twitter: "To everyone saying I’m a burden to the British health care system, I’m american so you don’t have to worry about my fat a**.

"Worry about what horrible people you are by whining about how me being on the cover of a glossy magazine impacts your small minded life."

She previously spoke of her excitement at landing the coveted cover slot, telling her followers she hoped young girls would find it inspirational.

And there are many people out there who have praised her for the shoot, with the model sharing a number of them through Instagram stories.

5 Tess, who is 5ft 5ins tall and weighs 280lbs, has now responded to the criticism Credit: Instagram/tess holliday

5 Piers said the cover was 'dangerous and misguided' Credit: Instagram/Piers Morgan

Plus size model Tess Holliday tells Loose Women why she loves her body as it is

MOST READ IN TV & SHOWBIZ PUSSYCAT KITTEN? Nicole Scherzinger deletes pic after fans say she's showing a baby bump EVANS SAKE Lee Evans spotted for the first time in two years after quitting showbiz Exclusive ADELE OF A PAIR Adele & Skepta spotted on night out in London months after romance rumours GYM BOD EastEnders' Maisie Smith shows off her abs as she trains for Strictly 'TAKE CARE OF MY BOY' Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim reunite to drop son Woody off at university KEEG-DASHIAN Michelle Keegan fans rave about her 'Kim K bum' on night out in London

In addition to discussing body image in her interview, Tess also opens up about being sexually assaulted.

Recalling the horrific ordeal, she says: “I was into him, but I didn’t want to have sex. He forced himself onto me.

“The first time I let him do it, but I was also told I had no choice. And that’s why I didn’t realise it was rape.

"The second time I was in his living room and he started making moves on me. I didn’t want it to happen and said no again, but it happened again.”

Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.