Stephanie has taken solace at her parents house after being trolled extensively

She is believed to have told friends she snapped under the pressure and has taken refuge at her parents' home in Liverpool in a bid to get herself together.

The pair met on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year Rex

Stephanie shocked fans with her recent pregnancy announcement, revealing she was expecting her first child with on/off boyfriend Jeremy McConnell following a turbulent relationship and bitter split.

she had been pictured smoking after she was allegedly attacked in a car park in her hometown last week, prompting a slew of online criticism.

The former Hollyoaks star has now reportedly told pals she had a cigarette as the stress of the situation was too much for her.

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An insider told The Mirror: ""Stephanie has taken solace at her parents house after being trolled extensively.

"Her parents and management have been with Steph every step of the way and are taking excellent care of her.

"Her smoking was a one-off, a blip which was caused by stress and trolls tormenting her."

 Rex

She was allegedly pushed over in a car park and pictures showed her lying on the floor in the aftermath of the sickening attack.

Steph has previously accused Jeremy of neglecting his duties as a father-to-be by allegedly partying too hard and failing to offer her any support.

The source added to The Mirror that the actress no longer wants his help, and has vowed to cut him out of her life.

The insider added: "She will never speak to Jeremy again after what he has put her through.”

It was also claimed that trolls have started targeting Steph's family as her personal crisis worsens: "Her parents have been trolled massively for not looking after her - when that is exactly what they are doing."

A representative for the star previously told Mail Online that Steph is staying with her parents as she waits for the storm to blow over.

The spokesperson said: "Stephanie is back with her parents at their family home in Liverpool."

Steph and Jeremy have been embroiled in a bitter row as she publicly accused him of harbouring a secret drug problem, and he claimed she is lying about her pregnancy.

The drama has played out on Twitter, and Steph has continued to fight her corner, while Jez dismissed her allegations of substance abuse as false.

 Twitter

He wrote in a social media post: "I’m perfectly healthy mind and body, and have took the break up privaelty [sic]... She is slandering me and trying portray me in a certain light for a reason, to make me look like a terrible lad, people can choose to believe it or not I do not care."

Steph followed her sensational allegations by publishing private messages from Jez and threatened to keep him away from the baby.

She wrote in an online post: "I'm done with trying, done hearing your lies and accusations and done fighting for you when all you do is lie and accuse."