Robert Irwin defended by fans after it was pointed out that his protective mother Terri goes with him everywhere: ‘She’s in every photo’

Robert Irwin and his mother Terri Irwin are known to be very close.

And on Monday, the mother-son duo posed together in multiple images shared on Instagram during their trips abroad in May.

In two of the photos, Terri, 59, and her son, 20, appeared together, smiling for the camera.

And some detractors complained that the couple is frequently seen together.

‘Are Robert and his mother joined at the hip? She’s in every photo you see of him,” one person wrote in the comments, while another said, “He’s 20 now!”

However, there was plenty of support for their close relationship, with one person responding: “He’s a lucky young man to have her.”

Another wrote: ‘People say why does Robert have his mother in so many photos. Remember that every day is precious. Life is fragile. The Irwins, like millions of other families, have experienced loss on a monumental scale.

‘Steve was larger than life. He’s lovely that they spend so much time together. Don’t be so critical.’

One more said: ‘What’s wrong with someone having a close relationship with their mother?’

‘Who cares? She’s his mom and they seem to be a very close family,’ another said.

It comes after I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! The producer expressed concern about host Robert’s decision to bring his protective mother Terri on set.

Terri accompanied her son on his trip to South Africa as he filmed his debut season of the popular Channel 10 show alongside co-presenter Julia Morris, 55.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, an anonymous producer admitted that Terri’s presence on set every day is “a little creepy”, saying: “It gives that ‘bringing your mum to school camp’ feeling.”

Terri, who has been in charge of Robert and his older sister Bindi’s showbiz careers since their father Steve’s death in 2006, has apparently closely followed everything Robert does while working on the show.

“The two have a great relationship and Terri couldn’t be nicer, but there aren’t many situations where employees have their mother at work with them, just to make sure everything is in order,” the source said.

Comparing Terri to the Kardashians’ famous ‘mom’ Kris Jenner, the producer claimed that Robert Irwin’s contract even included a section allowing him to bring his family to the set.

‘The deal was sealed when Robert signed on as host late last year. “I wanted his family to come with him,” they alleged, adding, “Maybe it’s just for this series, but maybe Terri is always behind the scenes.” Who knows’.

Robert previously confirmed that the entire Irwin clan would be joining him in South Africa, and told him The Daily Telegraph in January: “I invite everyone, including my little niece Grace, to visit us, so the whole family is there.”

Although Terri is said to be “in her element” watching Robert win over audiences on the show, the producer raises some questions about the zookeeper’s protective attitude, especially when it comes to his son’s love life.

Robert recently split from his girlfriend Rorie Buckey after nearly two years of dating, and reports claim Terri’s views on the relationship may have contributed to the breakup.

“The rumor on set is that Robert has been hiding information from his mother about his love life, which is pretty standard for most 20-year-olds,” the source said, stating that “cracks will continue to appear” if Terri continues to be involved in his love life.

It comes after reports emerged claiming Bindi had urged Terri to let Robert “live his life” following his split from Rorie in February.

According Women’s DayBindi has rallied to support her brother as he navigates the breakup alone, and is said to have “unwavering loyalty” to him.