Charlotte Crosby horrifies fans after jokingly putting toddlers in ‘cage’

| Assistant Entertainment Editor Published September 22, 2026 10:31am Updated September 22, 2026 10:31am Charlotte Crosby is facing backlash for a rather dark joke online (Picture: Getty/Instagram) Charlotte Crosby has found herself explaining an eyebrow-raising parenting decision after joking that she’d bought a ‘cage’ for her two young daughters. The former Geordie Shore star, 36, caused a stir after sharing a picture of daughters Alba-Jean, three, and 19-month-old Pixi sitting inside a large metal storage unit that appeared to have bars like a cage for animals. ‘Bought a cage for the girls when they need to go in time-out…’ Charlotte joked alongside the snap. But while the reality star may have thought the punchline was obvious, it appears plenty of her followers took the post rather more seriously. Charlotte was soon inundated with messages about the supposed ‘time-out cage,’ prompting her to return to social media and clear up exactly what was going on. ‘Guys my DMs. That is obv not a child cage and we obvs don’t even do time outs!’ she wrote. The original post showed her two children inside the container (Picture: Instagram) Evidently, some followers didn’t realise Charlotte was joking (Picture: Instagram) The mum-of-two explained that the cage was actually a storage solution for Alba’s ever-growing collection of cuddly toys – and her daughters had simply climbed inside it while playing ‘It is however a cage lmao but for teddys! How b****y cute,’ she continued. ’I was totally influenced and I can’t even remember now by who! ‘But it’s so cute and me and the girls built it all ourselves it was so easy I’ll link.’ The misunderstanding comes as Charlotte continues to share the realities of family life with fiancé Jake Ankers, with whom she welcomed Alba in October 2022 and Pixi in January 2025. She has also recently spoken candidly about the couple’s hopes of expanding their family following a devastating miscarriage. Earlier this year, Charlotte discovered she was unexpectedly pregnant with what would have been the couple’s third child. Although she initially admitted feeling frightened by the surprise news, she said those fears soon gave way to excitement as she and Jake began imagining life as a family of five. The mum of two has been open about her motherhood journey (Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock) However, Charlotte became concerned during a private scan at around six weeks when she immediately noticed that the atmosphere in the room felt different from her previous pregnancies. ‘They didn’t switch the screens on for you to see straight away and the room was very quiet, and I just instantly thought, “Oh, I feel like there’s something wrong,”’ she recalled during an emotional appearance on This Morning. Doctors explained they were not seeing what they would normally expect at that stage, although Charlotte was initially reassured that her dates could simply have been wrong. She and Jake then faced an agonising two-week wait before returning for another scan. Charlotte said Jake remained optimistic throughout that period, but she struggled to shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. The reality star first rose to fame on Geordie Shore (Picture: Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock) At the follow-up appointment, they were told the pregnancy was no longer progressing and Charlotte had experienced a silent miscarriage. Unlike some miscarriages, a silent or missed miscarriage can happen without the more recognisable symptoms of pregnancy loss, such as bleeding or severe cramping. Charlotte became tearful as she described being given another two weeks to see whether her body would miscarry naturally before doctors discussed the possibility of a D&C procedure. Despite the heartbreak, she said the experience had clarified something for both her and Jake: they would still like another baby. The couple are hoping to try again before their planned wedding in Marrakesh next year. For now, however, Charlotte appears to have her hands full with two toddlers – even if their controversial new ‘cage’ is strictly reserved for the teddies. Deals of the Day Primark's new £14 co-ord has autumn styling on a budget covered Topman’s new-season collection has arrived and prices start at just £10 An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind From £700 MacBooks to discounted iPhones, the best Apple tech for studentsb Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale Switched On Get plugged into the week’s must-watch shows, unmissable moments, and expert reviews with Metro TV Editor Sabrina Barr.