Loose Women panellist Judi Love has blasted internet trolls for their “disgusting” treatment of Nella Rose. It comes after the 26-year-old was previously embroiled in debates with Nigel Farage and Fred Sirieix.
Judi – real name Judy Veronica Thomas – has discussed the backlash that the YouTuber has received during this year’s instalment of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! In her latest column, the 43-year-old has implored ITV viewers to remember Nella is still a “young woman”.
Writing in OK! Magazine, the mum-of-two said: “It was an eventful week on I’m A Celebrity… and I was sad to see Grace Dent and Jamie Lynn Spears both leave. I still haven’t got a favourite to win yet.
“The controversy around Nella Rose has been difficult, and it’s painful to read the disgusting racist and body-shaming comments online,” she explained. “It’s crazy that people forget she’s a young woman immersed in one of the biggest reality celebrity shows in the UK.”
In a final thought, Judi added: “Let’s hope that over the next few weeks, we get to see more of the contestants living their true unedited experiences!”
The support for Nella comes after broadcasting watchdog Ofcom confirmed to Express.co.uk that it had received 862 complaints about her row with Fred, 51. During an episode which aired on November 21, the content creator took offence to a comment made by the First Dates star.
At the time, Fred said that he was old enough to be her father, which upset her as she had previously informed Fred her father had tragically died. The pair eventually buried the hatchet.
However, Nella has drawn further criticism after clashing with former UKIP leader Nigel, 59, on two occasions. The first was during a conversation about migration, and the second on cultural appropriation.
Following the backlash, Nella’s family have spoken out and claimed they are “praying” she wins the reality show. A relative of the star told MailOnline: “All of Nella’s siblings and other members of her family, wherever they are in the world, are watching her in the jungle – and praying that she wins.
“We are very proud of her achievements, it’s amazing what she’s done,” they continued. “She is showing the fighting spirit of the Congolese people and we are all with her.”
The relative reportedly added that although the creator’s family live in “different countries” there is a “lot of love for her”.
Tune into the next episode of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.