NOEL Edmonds has been accused of condemning to death two lobsters he bought from a farm shop to release into the sea.
The former Deal or No Deal host and his wife Liz returned the pair to the water on the Isle of Man.
Noel said they were uncomfortable seeing them confined in a tank and decided to buy them to release them.
In a social media clip, he said: “Nice clear water in Peel Harbour; there they go.
“And we know this is nice fresh water because a moment ago a seal went past.
“Wonderful place.”
But the 77-year-old was told his act of kindness was likely to backfire as the lobsters would not survive their return.
One web user said: “They didn’t have a chance the moment he removed them from tank.”
Another posted: “A lovely sentiment, but from a marine biologist perspective it’s best not to release captive lobsters.”
Meanwhile Matt Harrison, the owner of the farm shop from which Noel bought the lobsters, said he had moved their tank in response to the controversy — and was thinking of getting rid of it altogether.
He said he bought the lobsters to support a young local fisherman, adding: “The tank is still in the shop but we’ve moved it.
“I am sensitive to people’s feelings, but the vast majority want us to keep it.”
