Breaking News: Why all was not as it seems in THOSE photos of Eamonn Holmes and his new 42-year-old girlfriend Katie Alexander, as revealed by KATIE HIND…see more

On the face of it, it was the perfect romantic gesture from a loved-up man to his new girlfriend.

A luxurious trip around Europe aboard an all-singing, all-dancing cruise ship with stop-offs in stunning seaside destinations with highly desirable restaurants.

But Beckinsale’s decision to strike a series of suggestive poses while having her picture taken alongside a receptive Holmes opened the floodgates on social media, with followers divided over his post-separation antics.

The former This Morning presenter liked a series of messages posted on Instagram which encouraged people to be kind.

Returning to Instagram on Tuesday, Holmes – evidently unhappy with the online reaction – weighed in by liking a handful of supportive messages, including one which read: ‘So many nasty comments! If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all…’

Another message favourited by the presenter read: ‘Everyone learns to be kind with the comments on here. Just leave him alone.’