Chris Hughes addresses age gap between him and JoJo Siwa as he hits out at critics

After weeks of criticism, Chris Hughes has finally broken his silence on the age-gap controversy with JoJo Siwa.

The former Dance Moms star and ex-Love Island contestant became close pals on Celebrity Big Brother, however their quick bond became one of the biggest talking points of the entire series.

Viewers speculated whether JoJo, 21, and Chris, 32, were too ‘flirty’ with each other. However, the two stars have maintained that their relationship is platonic.

But following her surprise breakup with Kath Ebbs at the CBB afterparty amid wild rumours that JoJo and Chris are an item, the new friends are speaking about their friendship as it’s fair to say no one ever expected the pair to become BFFs overnight.

Once they left the house, the pair spent their first weekend of freedom enjoying ‘Sunday massages’ and walks in the park, and a game of tennis.

But as the duo share more social media content together, the criticism over their friendship and the 11-year age gap has continued.

“Damn this is inappropriate,” one commenter said under a post.

Chris countered: “I have friends who are 50+ too, you weirdo.”

JoJo shared a touching tribute to Chris, and her fellow CBB finalists, in a lengthy post on Instagram.

“Quite emotional today as I’ve landed back in LA, saying goodbye to the UK, and one of my favourite things that I’ve ever done in my life,” the singer and dancer said in the caption for her recap Instagram post.

JoJo has struck up an unlikely friendship with Love Island star Chris Hughes (Instagram/@itsjojosiwa)

“The last 20 days I’ve faced some of the highest highs and lowest lows and it’s so crazy to think that all of them were public, but it’s honestly quite a beautiful thing.

“So very grateful for the love and support I received from you while I was in the house. Being so vulnerable and not know what the world will do or say was scary, but coming out of the house and seeing the absolute outpour of love and support that happened while I was in there was just wild and made me cry with tears of happiness.

“It makes me very emotional and just means so much. Thank you.”

JoJo added: "Special shout to Christopher, Jack, Donna, Chesatron, and Danny… my sweetest fellow finalists, getting to know you all the most, I’m gonna miss the absolute ship out of you."