Television personality Noel Edmonds has faced criticism online after sharing footage of himself and his wife releasing live lobsters into the sea after buying them from a tank.

The former Deal or No Deal host, who splits his time between the Isle of Man and New Zealand, posted the video on his Instagram account, where he regularly shares his love of the island's landscape, wildlife and community.

The footage showed Noel and his wife, Liz, on Peel Breakwater, where they returned the lobsters to the sea after deciding they did not want to see them remain in captivity.

Explaining the decision in the video, Noel said: 'All right, this is one of those more bizarre things that happens with us.

'We were at a place where there were some lobsters in a tank, and we're a little bit uncomfortable about the lobsters and tanks.

'So we bought the lobsters, and now Liz is going to release them. So here we go.'

As Liz lowered the lobsters into Peel Harbour, Noel added: '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.'

However, the video attracted criticism from some viewers, with a number questioning whether releasing captive lobsters back into the wild was appropriate.

Some commenters claimed the lobsters could struggle to survive after being moved from a tank environment, while others raised concerns about possible impacts on native marine populations.

One person wrote: 'It's best not to release captive lobsters. Disease transfer and genetic mixing are real concerns to native populations.'

Another added: 'They will probably not survive, there are certain steps you have to take when transferring sea creatures from one type of water to another.'

Noel, who owns a property in the north of the Isle of Man and has become a familiar face on the island through his social media posts, responded to some of the criticism on his Instagram page, which has more than 144,000 followers.

Replying to one comment, he said: 'Thank you for this information and I respect your opinion which in all fondness and kindness made me laugh out loud. Have a wonderful day.'

Responding to another message criticising the decision, Noel wrote: 'Thank you so much for your opinion and mine is also to be respected, it's time for you to get a life!'

The video has continued to attract a mixed response, with some followers praising the couple's compassion for the animals while others questioned their decision to release them.

Noel has frequently shared his appreciation for the Isle of Man online, posting videos from around the island highlighting its natural beauty, wildlife and people.

The broadcaster first became known to television audiences through programmes including Deal or No Deal and Noel's House Party.