Tan France has defended Marks & Spencer after a Christmas Instagram post sparked social media backlash.

The controversy started when the high-street retailer posted a photo showing Christmas hats in green, red and silver being burned in a fireplace – with some social media users branding the post "disgusting" as the colours are similar to those of the Palestinian flag.

Queer Eye star Tan, 40, who appears in the brand's Christmas advert alongside Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Hannah Waddingham, has now taken to social media to defend the post.

Taking to his Instagram Story, Tan shared a close-up photo of his face, to which he added the text: "The ad was shot in AUGUST, so….. maybe you're reaching with your ridiculous comments?"

Other social media users have also defended the brand from criticism, with one writing: "Omg why is everyone beefing M&S. Like a company is purposely going to pretend to burn a Palestinian flag for their Christmas campaign, can we not."

Another added: "Is this for real? Beyond a joke – these are festive colours…"

However, others were still upset at the post, as one commented: "This is absolutely vile you should be ashamed of yourselves."

While a second agreed writing: "Absolutely disgusting. Even if it was recorded in August you should have reshot this image or used technology to make changes. Shame on you!!!"

M&S have since deleted the post and issued an apology, which read: "Today we shared an outtake image from our Christmas Clothing and Home advert, which was recorded in August. It showed festive coloured red, green and silver party hats in a fire grate.

"While the intent was to playfully show that some people just don't enjoy wearing paper Christmas hats over the festive season, we have removed the post following feedback and we apologise for any unintentional hurt caused."

M&S's Christmas campaign has kicked off to an early start this year, with their festive collection being launched back in September, which included a festive Colin the Caterpillar and a pre-lit Christmas tree.

And just hours after Halloween came to an end, the retailer launched its anticipated Christmas advert, alongside a number of other supermarkets.

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