It's a perennial discussion that sparks strong opinions - should you take your shoes off as soon as you get inside, or keep them on? Some argue that wearing shoes inside results in dirt from outdoors being spread throughout the home, while others feel uncomfortable placing their feet on floors and carpets, even when wearing socks.

And now a TV doctor has settled this long-standing debate definitively. Dr Amir Khan is a familiar face on British television, regularly offering valuable health guidance on ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, as well as across social media platforms.

He has now explained precisely why you should take your shoes off immediately upon entering any property - whether it's your own home, or someone else's, reports Wales Online. In a video on TikTok, he explained: "Guys, if you're anything like me, you take off your shoes as soon as you get into the house.

"It's a sign of respect if you're in someone else's house, but also can reduce the risk of bugs and chemicals being traipsed around your home. Now, don't get me wrong, not all dirt is bad."

"It can help train our immune systems and build a healthy immune system. But I don't want some of the outside stuff coming in."

He explained that footwear can "harbour a lot of bacteria", with particles from animal faeces and urine potentially carrying E. coli, which can cause stomach infections and urinary tract infections, brought in through our shoes.

"The other thing is allergens such as pollen, dust, mould," he continued. "That's all out there as well, and if you've got things like hay fever or allergies, you want to reduce the number of them coming into the house. So take your shoes off.

"And also, if you've been walking in parks, fields, golf courses, there could be lots of pesticide chemicals on your shoes, too. Now, in small doses, they're not harmful at all. But you don't want them in your house where you might be preparing food."

As his cat pawed at his shoelaces, Dr Khan concluded: "So take your shoes off, leave your cat, and put some indoor slippers on, and off you go."

However, opinions remained split in the comments section. Many supported Dr Khan's view, with one commenter writing: "I always take my shoes off at the door. I'm 60 and I think about half the people I know don't take them off."

Another responded: "Once I get in through the door, I take my shoes off and spray them with Dettol spray." While a third added: "Yesss and I was always made to feel like a weirdo for years asking people to do this."

Yet others pushed back, with one remarking: "No I'd rather people keep them on in mine as I don't want their sweaty feet on my carpets!".

While another commented: "I need a seat by the door if I'm visiting. Putting my shoes back on and tying laces standing up is very difficult. Especially when you get older."

Others admitted they were too preoccupied by Dr Khan's cat's behaviour to focus on his guidance, while some highlighted that pets such as cats and dogs don't wear footwear, meaning they'll bring dirt from outdoors into the home themselves.