( CNN ) -- A children 's show host who was born with one hand is facing criticism from parents over her disability . The BBC is receiving complaints about kids ' show host Cerrie Burnell , who was born with one hand . BBC spokeswoman Katya Mira said the corporation has received at least 25 `` official '' complaints recently about Cerrie Burnell , new host of two shows on the BBC-run CBeebies television network , which is aimed at children younger than 6 . The official complaints do not count the dozens of negative comments lodged in Internet chat rooms , Mira said . In one chat room , a father lamented that Burnell being on the show forced him to have conversations with his child about disabilities . However , there have also been messages of support for Burnell . What do you think about the complaints ? `` We have also received 99 appreciations of her , '' Mira said . Burnell started as a presenter of the shows in late January after acting with theater companies in Manchester , England , and Brazil . A BBC news release in January introducing Burnell made no mention of her disability , but a publicity photo showed the right sleeve of her sweater pulled up , showing her arm stops just below her elbow . The issue has spurred a debate in England among newspapers , columnists and bloggers . Burnell said she has heard the criticism and will not let it bother her . 'It can only be a good thing that parents are using me as a chance to talk disability with their children . It just goes to show how important it is to have positive , disabled role models on CBeebies and television in general , '' Burnell said . Michael Carrington , BBC controller of CBeebies , said the company is standing by Burnell . `` Cerrie is warm and natural and we think that , in time , all moms and dads and children will love her as much as we do , '' Carrington said .
BBC says it is receiving complaints about the character Cerrie Gold . Some say Gold , who was born with one hand , is scaring people . Burnell says she ' n't let criticism bother her .