Jade Goody missed tests to screen for cervical cancer because she feared doctors would tell her she was infertile, her doctor said.

The late reality TV star did not attend the possibly life-saving smear tests because she was desperate to have a baby girl.

Ann Coxon said after Ms Goody had her second son, Freddie, now five, she suffered heavy bleeding and was told by a nurse she may not be able to conceive any more children.

The Harley Street consultant said: "She really wanted a little girl and she did not know that cervical smears were about cancer. She said to me 'I am not stupid - if I'd have known I would have gone'."

The Big Brother star died on Mother's Day last year, aged 27.

Dr Coxon criticised the NHS for missing Ms Goody's tumour which was the size of a "small tangerine" when discovered.

"The NHS staff completely let her down. She had symptoms for a long time," she said.

"She was not given an appropriate investigation and she was a sitting duck for cervical cancer."

Dr Coxon said Ms Goody was admitted to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex, in February 2008 with severe pain in her lower stomach and leg and was told that nothing was wrong.

However, these symptoms should have triggered "alarm bells" and the early signs of cancer would have been present, she said.

Dr Coxon added: "If it had been picked up then, she would probably still be alive."

Ms Goody had an ultrasound at the hospital in August 2008 but nothing suspicious was found.

A smear test was carried out at the same time, which later revealed she had cancer. The news was broken to Ms Goody while she was taking part in the Indian version of Big Brother.

Her mother, Jackiey Budden, told reporters earlier this month she has planned a memorial service for her daughter today.

Today is the first anniversary of Goody's death.