Theresa May has explained why it is that she keeps being photographed holding Donald Trump’s hand.

The prime minister has faced criticism that she is too close to Mr Trump, while it has also spawned speculation that the president has a medical problem that means he dislikes walking down stairs.

But Ms May told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show that she simply takes the 72-year-old president’s hand to help him up and down slopes and stairs.

It followed a sometimes difficult official visit from the president to the UK, during which Mr trump criticised Ms May in a newspaper interview and then apologised to her during an awkward press conference.

When the pair arrived to speak to reporters they were once again shown hand-in-hand as they approached their twin podiums.

Asked if she always took his hand because he has a medical problem, Ms May said: “What you notice is that whenever he takes me down a slope or stairs – he did it up the steps at Blenheim Palace – he takes my hand to help in going up the steps.”

Challenged by the BBC presenter as to whether it made her look “submissive” to the president, she answered: “Oh Andrew, come on.

Donald Trump and Theresa May holding hands before press conference at Chequers

“Are you telling me that you have never said let me [help, to someone].”

Ever since she was first pictured hand in hand with Mr Trump at the White House in early 2017, Ms May has come in for attacks from her critics that she is being too friendly with the president – with Labour MPs often citing it in the Commons.

Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Show all 10 1 /10 Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit First Lady, Melania Trump, tries her hand at bowls as she meets British Army veterans, known as Chelsea Pensioners, at Royal Hospital Chelsea Getty Images Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: First Lady, Melania Trump, tries her hand at bowls as she meets British Army veterans, known as Chelsea Pensioners, at Royal Hospital Chelsea on July 13, 2018 in London, England. First Lady, Melania Trump, visited the Chelsea Pensioners while her husband, President Donald Trump, held bi-lateral talks with Theresa May at the Prime Minister's Country Residence. The Chelsea Pensioners are British Army personnel who are cared for at the Services retirement home at The Royal Hospital in London. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Leon Neal Getty Images Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Melania Trump gives a thumbs up AFP/Getty Images Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit A school boy instructs Philip May during a game of bowls Getty Images Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Melania Trump reacts Getty Images Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Lady Melania Trumphigh-fives with a Chelsea pensioner AP Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and Philip May, the husband of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, take part in a game of bowls with veterans and schoolchildren during a visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, Britain, July 13, 2018. REUTERS/Yves Herman YVES HERMAN REUTERS Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Melania Trump is congratulated by Philip May and a Chelsea pensioner after taking part in a game of bowls REUTERS Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 13: A girl wears flags on her head as First Lady, Melania Trump, stands with school children after trying her hand at bowls as she meets British Army veteransat Royal Hospital Chelsea on July 13, 2018 in London, England. First Lady, Melania Trump, visited the Chelsea Pensioners while her husband, President Donald Trump, held bi-lateral talks with Theresa May at the Prime Minister's Country Residence. The Chelsea Pensioners are British Army personnel who are cared for at the Services retirement home at The Royal Hospital in London. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Leon Neal Getty Images Melania Trump and Philip May play bowls during UK visit Lady Melania Trumphigh-fives with a Chelsea pensioner AFP/Getty Images

After that incident of hand-holding, Ms May’s official spokeswoman said: “They were walking along. There was an unseen ramp. He put out his hand. She took it.”

But despite the disapproval, Ms May has repeatedly been shown holding the president’s hand, with Friday the latest moment.