Former Coronation Street star Charlie De Melo has been forced to respond to some comments after introducing a few adorable members to his family. The actor, who fans will probably best know for playing Imran Habeeb in the ITV soap, took to Instagram to share a string of images that had many of his followers cooing.
However, some were quick to respond with unfounded criticism. In one image, Charlie beamed for the camera as he held up one of his dog's new pups. The former soap star has previously been described as the Guide Dogs UK charity as a 'doggy doula'.
Dog dad to his own two golden retriever dogs, Toni and Sarah, Charlie is believed to breed his dogs before their puppies go off to learn to be guide dogs. And taking to his social media account earlier this week, Charlie introduced his followers to his beloved pooch's new litter.
"Sarah and her nuggets. Day 1,” Charlie captioned the post. There were also videos of the pups as they were born as well as a sweet snap of Sarah with her four-legged brood. Former Inbetweeners star Emily Atack was among the first to reply, simply writing: "Oh my good god."
Corrie star Tony Maudsley, who plays George Shuttleworth, said: "I'm SO jealous!!!!!!" While EastEnders actress Lorraine Stanley, who viewers know for playing Karen Taylor, posted a string of red heart emojis. And fans were also quick to gush over the adorable new arrivals.
@paula__hyde said: "Thank you for all of your hard work from a very grateful Guide Dog Owner, beautiful pups to an even more beautiful Mum." @emma.taylor.792 wrote: "Oh my. Amazing job your doing be proud of yourself." @tjcoops2805 commented: "Nooooo! More baby guide dogs?!! Amazing!!!"
@gibbsy49 posted: "Picture 3, mum looks very unimpressed haha. They're beautiful, all of them." @tcw_01900 replied: "Awwwwwww they are all so cute. Melts my heart. I will look forward to the updates on these little puppers. Huge hugs to Sarah." @melbelle05x added: "Well done to mummy, beautiful little ones."
But some were more forthcoming in their responses. “As beautiful as they are, why? I am quite shocked at this. Adopt not shop," one person complained. However, Charlie wasted no time in firing back, writing: "They’re going to be Guide Dogs. You can’t buy them."
Another said: "Was it not that long ago she had puppies," which prompted someone else to reply: "Meant to be 2-year gap not impressed at all." But Charlie hit back as he wrote: "Feel free to be unimpressed, but you’re also very much incorrect."
Fans also jumped to Charlie's defence when he shared images and videos of day two with Sarah and her new babies. A follower wrote: "Sooo Gorgeous, but why keep breeding? When we have thousands of dogs in our shelters in the UK," before the replies were quickly full of comments telling them they'll be guide dogs.
Assistant director of breeding, puppy raising and science at Guide Dogs, Dr Helen Whiteside has also said: "Any decision to breed from one of our guide dog mums involves extensive input from a range of qualified staff, veterinary experts and external dog specialists. There are lots of factors we consider when deciding when and whether a guide dog mum should have puppies, including her previous breeding history, her health and her behavioural wellbeing. Once we’ve confirmed she can have puppies, extensive research is carried out to select an appropriate partner."
Charlie's new additions come after his former on-screen wife seemingly confirmed their romance. Last week, Georgia Taylor, who plays Toyah Habeeb in the ITV soap, responded to questions after she posted a string of sweet snaps of herself alongside Charlie after enjoying a trip to Edinburgh together.
The actress decided to spend her 43rd birthday outdoors as she headed up to Arthur's Seat during a trip to the Scottish city. In one snap, Georgia and Charlie posed together with Edinburgh Castle sitting in the background while another showed Georgia tucking into a local delicacy.
"Birthday weekend. An ancient volcano, a castle, many, many, many steps, deep-fried confectionery and a very fine mustachioed gentleman," she captioned the post. And fans were loving it, and also surprised that the pair appeared to be an item. Responding to bunch of touristy shots, @gleekbyheart said: "I swear if you and Charlie aren’t dating ima be sad." But Georgia kept tight lipped, only sharing the eyes emoji.
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