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'We're very touchy-feely as a family': Richard Madeley admits he still kisses daughter Chloe, 28, and son Jack, 29, on the lips

By Dan Cain For Mailonline and Sam Creighton and Antonia Hoyle for the Daily Mail

Published: 16:28 GMT, 11 March 2016 | Updated: 03:32 GMT, 12 March 2016

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It's been a hot topic ever since Sam Faiers' beau Paul Knightley locked lips with his mum in the Essex beauty's ITV Be special, The Baby Diaries.

And now Richard Madeley's had his say on whether or not there's an age it becomes unacceptable for parents to kiss their children on the lips.

The presenter, 59, appeared on ITV's This Morning on Friday, and presenters Ruth Langsford and Ben Shepherd asked if he kissed his adult children, Chloe, 28, and Jack, 29, on the lips.

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Wading in: Richard Madeley, 59, had his say on whether or not there's an age it becomes unacceptable for parents to kiss their children on the lips

Close family: Richard revealed he still kissed his daughter Chloe, 28, on the lips as well as his son Jack, 30

He admitted: 'I kiss Chloe on the lips, and Jack, my son, who will be 30 in May, kisses me on the lips.

'I think if one side of the relationship is growing uncomfortable with it, either the parent or the child - then you should stop.

'But I think if it’s instinctive and it’s part of the family history and tradition, then why not?'

'To me, there are no rules on things like this, it’s what’s right for you and your family... we’re very touchy-feely as a family, so for us it’s normal.'

The issue of parents kissing children on the lips split opinion with viewers. Some supported Madeley’s response, with one posting on Twitter: ‘Never had these issues when I was young! Let the kids decide, do not neglect their affection! Flipping ridiculous.’

However, others took a different view, with one writing: ‘I didn’t know kissing your family on the lips was a “thing”. I sure as heck wouldn’t do it.’

Open-minded: The father-of-two said if neither party was uncomfortable then it shouldn't be an issue

How parents should kiss their children became a hot topic after last month's The Baby Diaries, which saw Paul Knightley, 27, share a smooch with his mum as they discussed his move into parenthood.

Shocked viewers took to social media in their droves, with one writing: 'Just watched the Sam Faiers programme. Her boyfriend and his mother are very creepy... Strange relationship.'

While a second said: 'Sam Faiers boyfriend awkward kiss with his MUM!!!! Did anyone else see this?'

While his girlfriend, Sam, leapt to his defence, insisting she would always kiss their baby son on the lips.

In Wednesday's Daily Mail, psychologist Dr Charlotte Reznik told how she wouldn't recommend parents kiss their children on the lips.

The author of The Power Of Your Child's Imagination said: 'If you start kissing your kids on the lips, when do you stop?

'As a child gets to four or five or six and their sexual awareness develops, the kiss on the lips can be stimulating to them.'

Back on the sofa: It was a welcome return for Richard, who presented This Morning with his wife Judy Finnigan for 13 years

Family man: The presenter told how his family were 'very touchy-feely'

The article included interviews with parents and their children of various ages who all still kiss each other on the lips.

However, Cheryl Leach - a midwife from Swindon - kisses each of her three children, Jordan, 16, Ella, eight, and Kaydon, seven, on the mouth and is unrepentant at her behaviour.

'It is ridiculous and pathetic that people are making out this is something sexual,' she said. 'I don't care what people think. I will never stop kissing Jordan on the lips and he will never stop kissing me either.'

Loving parent: Cheryl Leach - a midwife from Swindon - kisses each of her three children, Jordan, 16, Ella, eight, and Kaydon, seven, on the mouth and is unrepentant at her behaviour

'I will carry on kissing Mum when I'm an adult,' he says. 'I've done it for such a long time that I just see it as normal.'

Part of the reason the pair are so close is that Jordan's father left when Cheryl, 42, was pregnant.

'It was just the two of us for the first few years, we developed a special bond,' explained Cheryl, who is now married to Darren, 44.

'Jordan slept in my bed and when he started asking questions about sex I was happy to answer. We have always had a very open relationship.'

Starting the debate: It's been a hot topic ever since Sam Faiers' beau Paul Knightley locked lips with his mum in her ITV Be special, The Baby Diaries