Kate Silverton Hits Back At Claims She Is 'Ditching' Kids To Appear On 'Strictly Come Dancing'

'Parent of the year now eh Kate. You’ve ditched your kids for three months.'

Kate Silverton hit back at claims on Twitter that she was “ditching” her kids because she is taking part in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

The broadcaster, 48, who is mum to Clemency, six, and Wilbur, four, responded to an anonymous person on Twitter who sarcastically wrote: “Parent of the year now eh Kate. You’ve ditched your kids for three months with Strictly.”

Hitting back, Silverton retweeted the criticism and wrote: “Mr ‘anonymous’ I take my time with my children very seriously - my children will both be at school when I am training - it’s the reason I have agreed to do #Strictly this year. I agree mothering is the most important job — but I would never seek to preach.”

Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment

Mr ‘anonymous’ I take my time with my children very seriously - my children will both be at school when I am training - it’s the reason I have agreed to do #strictly this year. I agree mothering is the most important job — but I would never seek to preach https://t.co/sHitsgcu8J

— Kate Silverton (@katesilverton1) August 30, 2018

Many of Silverton’s fans tweeted her messages of support after seeing the criticism she had received. Some called out the double standards women receive for going out to work, with dads not receiving the same treatment.

Professional dancer on the show, Kevin Clifton, said it doesn’t make sense for women to be criticised for working, calling it “ridiculous”.

So many times i see women accused of ‘ditching’ their kids if they are working. Doesnt make any sense. Ridiculous.

— Kevin Clifton (@keviclifton) August 30, 2018

Others supported Silverton and praised her qualities as a mum.

Those who follow you regularly know what a brilliant Mum you are and also know you are doing it now because the children will be at school. Take no notice. Have a brilliant time, everyone says it’s an amazing experience 💃🌟🎉🎊💃👍💖

— Sheila Grant (@Grant2Sheila) August 30, 2018

Oh bore off! Charles Venn also had 2 children. Have you accused him? #StrictlyComeDancing2018 @KirstieMAllsopp #mumscantwin @EverydaySexism #imwithkate

— Jo Naylor-Smith (@JoNaylorSmith) August 30, 2018

Dignified response to a cretinous statement!👌#lotsofluckforstrictly 😊

— Teresa Lang (@Terriguin01) August 30, 2018

So sorry that Mr 'anonymous' should have the audacity to question your commitment to your Children and their welfare Anyone who follows you on here knows that what shines through bright as the burning sun is the love and dedication you have to those beautiful young'uns of yours.

— Charlie Pitchford (@Northbriton) August 30, 2018

Mr Anonymous - I’ve worked with Kate, I’ve done the same triathlons as Kate, I’ve admired her staying power in a competitive industry & I know she would never compromise her kids well-being, for anything. So until you know otherwise why don’t you STFU. Lots of love, Peter. https://t.co/6HFB0Oxd9L

— Peter Dobbie (@peterdobbie1) August 30, 2018

Responding to the messages, Silverton tweeted thanking people for making her smile. “I was none too fussed about the sole intruder in our midst,” she wrote.

She went on to say she wanted to support those who had been through struggles trying to fall pregnant. Silverton gave birth to her daughter naturally in 2011 after four unsuccessful cycles of IVF.

Good morning ! May I thank you all for making me smile and fill my heart with cheer. I was none too fussed about the sole intruder in our midst 😂 ( he appeared to think I was leaving my children for 3 months so I decided anyone that silly was not worth further engagement but..

— Kate Silverton (@katesilverton1) August 31, 2018

It’s the spirit of #community on here that I am buoyed by ... we have people exchanging information, providing information, support for each other as well as me - and I love that ... I would love to create a space online eventually to provide information on issues that matter ..

— Kate Silverton (@katesilverton1) August 31, 2018

I have had so much help and support in the past be it for #ivf #fallingpregnant #parenting #health that I should love to be able to pass that on ... enlisting the help of the experts ... the example you set on here alone inspires me so thank you ❤️

— Kate Silverton (@katesilverton1) August 31, 2018
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