Bristolian reality TV stars have taken to social media today to show support for one of our city's most beloved characters, who reportedly faces deportation.
Jeff Knight, who has been living in the UK for more than 20 years since moving here from Jamaica at the age of 32, has been the subject of scores of social media pleas today as rumours suggesting the much-loved Bristol resident risks being deported.
A petition in support of Jeff has already garnered thousands of signatures, and now celebrities have joined in with the campaign to keep the legendary Big Issue seller in our city.
Read more: Fears that legendary Bristol Big Issue seller Jeff Knight could be 'deported'
The Home Office has not yet confirmed or denied whether Jeff risks deportation, and Jeff himself has said he is unable to go into specifics about the situation, although he has thanked those who have lent their support.
Love Island star Siânnise Fudge has shared an anecdote of Jeff from her time working at House of Fraser, before she was famous.
Talking to her fans on Instagram stories, the 27-year-old shared a photograph of the beloved Big Issue seller and said: "This is truly heartbreaking. I always walked past him on my way to work and he was always spreading positive vibes to everyone and always smiling!
"He's a true Bristolian - we need to keep him there.
"A letter of recommendation could change everything! We need to keep Jeff in Bristol."
Jeff can often be found selling the charitable magazine in Stokes Croft, and engages with those walking past by chatting with them, fist-bumping them and even giving them a hug.
A petition in support of Jeff has already gained thousands of signatures, and Bristol residents are being asked to write character reference letters to increase his chances of staying in the UK.
The Apprentice contestant Brittany Carter has also hopped onto social media to lend her support to Jeff, sharing a sweet story about the local legend on her Instagram story.
"Bristol people!" Brittany wrote, "I would pass Jeff everyday on my walk to school, and even now, so many years later, he still remembers and wishes me a fantastic day."
Three years ago, in 2019, a successful crowdfunding campaign was set up to ensure that Jeff, once a rough sleeper, had a roof over his head at night. The money was used to buy him a van to live in.
Jeff has said that the best way to ensure he is allowed to stay here is by sending a letter of support for his right to stay in the UK, and dropping it off at the convenience store next to Turbo Island, from where he can collect it.
Residents of Bristol are also being urged to write a letter to their MP to show their support for Jeff, with Thangam Debbonaire listed as the MP to contact in many of the social media posts.
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