He may have said he hopes to put a ring on Marnie's finger in the next five years, but that hasn't stopped Celebrity Big Brother viewers from questioning the authenticity of Lewis Bloor and Marnie Simpson's relationship.

Along with Stephen Bear and Chloe Khan, Lewis and Marnie became the subject of intense speculation as fellow housemates and CBB fans suggested that the couple's affection came down to nothing more than a desire to boost their own profiles.

But, according to Marnie's mum Sharon Kinney, that couldn't be further from the truth.

While appearing on Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit On the Side, the Geordie Shore star's mum insisted that her daughter's relationship with Lewis was genuine, saying: "She’s just gone with her feelings."

"Marnie is a very strong, independent woman. With Lewis, she just went into that house with an open heart and she met someone who she has a connection with," Sharon continued.

In addition to defending the authenticity of the romance, Sharon dismissed notions that her daughter was overshadowed by the TOWIE star, saying: "I wouldn’t agree with that at all."

Lewis recently acknowledged the public's scepticism, saying: "I understand how people will look at it, it is very crazy but yeah she is great and I can't wait to see her."

And yet despite Sharon and Lewis' claims, BFF Charlotte Crosby doesn't see a future for the couple, telling New! magazine: "I don't see anything materialising with them on the outside. I don't think Marnie's suited to him."

In the words of Justin Bobby, truth and time tell all…