Ferne McCann branded ‘cruel’ for strict Christmas Day rule as she reveals controversial parenting decision

FERNE McCann has been branded "cruel" for enforcing a strict Christmas Day rule on her children.

The mum to six-year-old Sunday and baby daughter Finty, who was born in July, is looking forward to the festive period with her kids and fiance Lorri Haines.

But the ex-Towie star's controversial parenting decision has sparked an online debate.

Ferne insists her children can only open their gifts once they've all had breakfast together.

Speaking to  about her new and old traditions, Ferne said: "The funny thing about Christmas is you don’t realise how unique everyone’s celebrations are until you become a blended family.

"You find yourselves having to decide which childhood traditions you want to carry on keeping the magic alive.

"We’ve got this one rule we always stick to – no opening presents until after breakfast.

"It builds up the excitement, and, trust me, it's worth the wait just to see the kids light up knowing Santa got their letter in the post."

One reader insisted: "Late morning for me but first thing for my kids. Anyone making children wait until the afternoon is just cruel."

Another agreed, writing: "Always the morning. Always! Waiting til after lunch seems so mad to me."

Someone else added: "As soon as you open your eyes start unwrapping."

This will be her youngest daughter Finty's first Christmas, so Ferne says she'll be introducing a new tradition of doing a Christmas carol get-together.

She says she's invited pals over to "return the favour" after being a single mum "for years".

Ferne has been working hard on her fitness in the build up to Christmas, having given birth in July.

She vowed to stop feeling "impatient" having noticed her body struggling to "bounce back" as quickly as she hoped.

Ferne said at the start of her post-partum fitness journey: "So… I’m getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, owning it all!

"This is where I’m at, this is how I look and it’s up to me to start making some healthy changes to my life to start feeling strong physically and mentally and comfortable in my own skin."