Brian Dowling revealed he suffered an “outrageous” trolling since welcoming his first child.
The former Big Brother star and his Dancing With The Stars judge husband Arthur Gourounlian welcomed Blake Maria in September. Brian, whose sister acted as the couple’s surrogate, said: “Sadly in this day and age, and at the age of 44, I expect negative and nasty comments when doing the job I do.
“This may seem a bit odd to someone. I 100% choose to be in this industry and openly share my life here on Instagram. But lately, the level of trolling and nasty comments is absolutely outrageous.
Read more: Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian celebrate daughter's first Christmas
“I can handle comments saying I’m a s**t TV host, saying I’ve ruined my face with botox and comments regarding my fake accent. I can easily laugh all those off. But recently, to be called a child trafficker, a perverted creep, womb rapist, accusing me of incest is a step too far.
“To the fools leaving these messages, do they not realise they are leaving a vile digital footprint of hate & homophobia? The majority of these people have children of their own, that’s the scary part.”
The reality star, who won the second series of Big Brother and went on to win Ultimate Big Brother in 2010, added he feels thankful social media was still in its infancy when he first tasted fame. Brian said: “It’s no wonder on the new season of Winter Love Island contestants were asked to disable their social media.
“To think, when I appeared on Big Brother back in 2001, there was no social media at all, and again when I did Ultimate Big Brother in 2010, social media was just starting. “I think this was a blessing for me. So let’s leave it here with this pic of me in my gorgeous jumper and my over botoxed face.”
His fellow Virgin Media presenter Elaine Crowley was among the fans and friends to reach out in support. She said: “Hope you’re OK. I love every botoxed, coiffed, spray tanned, and fluffy jumper wearing inch of you, and so does your darling daughter and family.”
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