Undateables star Steve Carruthers should be the happiest he’s ever been after falling in love, but Twitter abuse has forced the star to come offline.
The 33-year old, who suffers from genetic condition Crouzon syndrome which causes facial deformities, is set to marry Vicky Matthews this summer, but the couple have been tormented by trolls online and abuse in the street.
Steve appeared on the hit Channel 4 show looking to find love
The abuse attacks both Steve on his appearance, as well as calling nurse Vicky stupid for marrying him.
The couple actually met after Vicky fell for Steve when she saw him on the hit Channel 4 show – asking a mutual friend to set them up.
Speaking to the Sunday People, Vicky said:
“Steve is perfect to me so the bullies just need to leave us alone now. The way people judge us on looks is disgusting.
“They stop in the street and take photos on their mobile phones like we’re some kind of freak show. I then worry about them posting them online and writing cruel comments.
“I love him, that’s the only thing that should matter.”
Steve has compared the abuse to his childhood bullies, adding:
“After the show I got more than 20 messages on Facebook and Twitter, calling me ‘fish man’ and ‘googly eyes’. The insults were brutal. Some people even posted pictures of me next to pictures of the Hunchback of Notre Dame and the Honey Monster.
“It brought all the bullying of my childhood back to life and suddenly I was back in the playground being taunted about my face. This time it was worse – someone I love was being drawn into it.
“I felt angry and guilty at the same time. It’s not my fault but it’s because of me that it’s happening.”
Steve has admitted the abuse has taken a toll on its confidence, with him being concerned his appearance will ruin the pair’s wedding photographs:
“Now we should be looking forward to the big day with no cares in the world but even though I’m excited I’m nervous about the wedding pictures because I know I always look awful.
“Everything else for the wedding is booked except the photographer because I’m really anxious about the pictures being good. I want us to be proud to show them to people.”
Steve revealed his only fears for the future will be passing on his condition to his and Vicky’s children.
Vicky has assured him though that they’ll cross that bridge when they come to it:
“I’ve always wanted a big family and Steve feels the same. We spoke about the possibility of our children having Crouzon. That his mum had four with it was just luck of the draw.
“You can’t live your life worrying. Any baby could be born with a medical difficulty and you love them no matter what.”
Images via Channel 4/ Sunday People
