Gemma Atkinson has hit back at criticism after her daughter shared her lollipop with the family dog.
The former Hollyoaks actress insisted that "kids need germs". It comes after the mum shared a video showing young Mia holding out a lolly to her four legged friend, Norman, who then licked it.
The three year old, who the star shares with fiancé Strictly Come Dancing's Gorka Marquez, then put the sweet treat back into her own mouth. Gemma captioned it: "Sharing is caring."
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The TV personality received an influx of messages calling the clip out for being "unhygienic". But Gemma was quick to clap back as she defended herself on Instagram.
She wrote a message on her Stories which read: "A lot of anger today about Mia sharing a lolly with Norman. KIDS NEED GERMS. If you think that's bad, you should see me wrestling with her to not open sanitary bins in public loos!"
She added: “Or when she used to share her dummy with other kids at nursery, or when she comes home from nan's covered in mud from playing [in] the park. Also, dogs have bacteria in their mouth, but not as much as humans."
Gemma then went on to share a photo of Mia cuddled up alongside Norman. She added: "Also, they share beds and cushions… just like I did/have for 27 years, and I’m ok (ish)."
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