Sam Faiers has defended partner Paul Knightley’s mum after fans branded her “cringe” and “over-bearing” following her latest appearance in The Mummy Diaries.
Viewers were left baffled in the last series when Paul shared a particularly long kiss with his mum Gaynor, sparking backlash from many who found it “awkward”.
But clearly unphased by the controversial reception she got, Gaynor returned this week in the new series – and many fans branded her “OTT” and “cringe”.
One scene saw her close to tears as she gushed over baby Paul, and revealed how much she loves being a grandmother – sparking backlash from viewers at home.
Asked how Gaynor felt watching the emotional scenes back, Sam told The Sun : “She was OK.
“She knew that was a really important scene for me as it shows the bond between her and her grandson for the first time.
“I said to her, ‘[The producers] really want to use it, it’s a really nice scene, do you mind?’ And she was like, ‘No, it’s OK’.”
The actress revealed Gaynor really liked the finished result in the end.
The scenes saw Gaynor get emotional as she heaped praise on her tiny grandson.
“I’m crazy about him, oh I’m madly in love with him. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” she told the cameras.
“We do everything together. Two days – three days is the most I can go without seeing all of them, really… He’s my best friend.”
Tearing up, she then tells Sam: “Without you being the way you are, I wouldn’t have the relationship I’ve got with him. I thank you, I love you both some much.”
But while many fans loved the moment, others admitted it was a tad too much.
One wrote: “Watching Sam faiers mummy diaries, Paul and his mum are f**en weirdos!!!”
While another added: “Watching Mummy Diaries … Paul’s Mum Is A Bit Much Haha.”
Watching Mummy Diaries … Paul’s Mum Is A Bit Much Haha
— Charli Francis (@charli_francis) October 12, 2016
One wrote: “Mummy diaries Paul’s mum seems to be very over bearing an is goin on about moving to where ever the go.”
And another added: “Can’t cope with Paul’s mam on the mummy diaries, total cringe !”
Can’t cope with Paul’s mam on the mummy diaries, total cringe !
— amiehill. (@amiee_hill) October 12, 2016
Sam faiers baby diaries – let’s hope paul and his mum aren’t still power necking
— Harley Walsh (@harleywalsh) October 12, 2016
While one even addressed THAT snog from series one, adding: “Sam faiers baby diaries – let’s hope paul and his mum aren’t still power necking.”
However many were full of praise for the star, who quickly retweeted several messages.
One viewer wrote: “Sam Faiers mummy diaries is the cutest thing! I love baby Paul awww.”
While another added: “Absolutely loving # themummydiaries @ SamanthaFaiers is making me laugh so much and baby Paul is the cutest!!”
Sam Faiers mummy diaries is the cutest thing! I love baby Paul awww
— brodie (@brodielittle) October 12, 2016
absolutely loving #themummydiaries @SamanthaFaiers is making me laugh so much and baby Paul is the cutest!!
— georgia&faiers❤ (@SamAndBillie_) October 12, 2016
Watching @SamanthaFaiers mummy diaries and I completely love her parenting style, chilled and real – so down to earth
— Gemma | LifeAsMummy (@Lifeasmummy) October 12, 2016
One even added: “Watching @SamanthaFaiers mummy diaries and I completely love her parenting style, chilled and real – so down to earth.”
Paul sparked controversy in their last reality show, titled The Baby Diaries, when he shared a lengthy kiss with his mum.
However, ignoring the backlash, he’s returned with the former TOWIE star and their son Paul, for their new series.
Highlights so far included a sweet moment which saw Sam cuddling her baby boy in a series of shots as she announced: “Life has changed, completely changed.”
Paul later share a bath with his son, with the tot smiling happily from his knee on Father’s Day, and they even drop a HUGE wedding hint as Sam is seen trying on wedding dresses.
Keen for a new chapter in their lives, they announce plans to leave the area, but Sam’s sister Billie expresses concerns immediately, worrying they won’t have any of their friends and family around them.
Paul doesn’t appear to spark any more controversy just yet, after he was hit with backlash following THAT kissing scene.
The couple invited cameras in to document their relationship, but viewers slammed Paul Sr.’s first appearance as he showed his mum some affection with a kiss.
One wrote at the time: “Just watched the Sam faiers programme. Her boyfriend and his mother are very creepy… Strange relationship.”
However some fans rushed to Paul’s defence, as another wrote: “So Paul @SamanthaFaiers bf is getting a hard time! Editing is a strange tool she looks lovely the perfect mummy.”
Meanwhile, Sam received praise today as she chose to breastfeed her son live on This Morning .
The former TOWIE star, who was on the programme to talk about her new reality show, had been stuck in traffic on the way to the studios.
She appeared with baby Paul under a blanket as he fed him while talking to Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
The presenter made sure to confirm to viewers that it was the reality star’s decision to keep him covered as she was still feeding him when they went live.
