Father of Channel 4's Child Genius winner Rahul slammed by viewers for 'disgusting' behaviour

Rahul Doshi, a 12-year-old from north London, beat his nine-year-old opponent, Ronan in the final of Channel 4's Child Genius.

But, following his triumph, Rahul's dad Minesh was the one holding the trophy aloft - a move which led viewers to criticize the 'pushy parent'.

Many audience members took to Twitter to air their concerns, with one writing: 'Why does Rahul's dad think it's acceptable to laugh when Ronan has an incorrect answer? That's a 9 year old child. Disgusting.'

Another was shocked by the lack of respect saying: 'I truly respect the intelligence of the children on #ChildGenius however Rahul's Dad is one of the most disrespectful people I've seen!!'

While another highlighted - and received 333 likes - how the dad's behavior came across to the nation: 'And the winner of #ChildGenius ... Rahul's Dad!'

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year's series of Child Genius started on Monday and was screened every evening last week. It was Channel 4's most watched programme, with an average audience of 1.8million tuning in for the final on Saturday night.

Winner Rahul, who has an IQ high enough to be a member of Mensa, clinched the title by answering a question on 19th Century artists William Holman Hunt and John Everett Millais.

During the contest, Rahul's father Minesh told him: 'There are no prizes for being friendly with your opponents.'

The Daily Mail reported that Minesh said: 'We raised this little boy from a baby and he's doing so many good things and I'm boasting about him but, hey why not.

'It's amazing, and to call him my son is just the best feeling.'

The parent also lamented that he did not have the opportunity to enter Child Genius as a young boy, but he may be returning to television soon.

He told the Sunday Telegraph: 'The kids want me to go on The Chase as I know all the answers.'

What do you think? Was he just a proud parent or far too pushy? Let us know in the comments box below.