‘Maybe it’s my looks’: CBeebies host George Webster reveals he was bullied at school when star, who has Down syndrome, details horrifying bathroom experience
George Webster heartbreakingly admitted that he experienced bullying.
The 22-year-old CBeebies host, who has Down syndrome, revealed that he was teased and insulted by his peers, detailing a horrifying experience in the bathroom.
He said The Guardian: ‘A boy threw one of those “slippery floor” signs over the door and it hit me.’
When asked why he thinks he was targeted, the inspiring star replied: “I don’t know, because of my appearance.”
In 2021, BBC bosses made history by hiring the first children’s TV presenter with the condition.
‘Maybe it’s my looks’: George Webster heartbreaking admission he experienced bullying (pictured November 2022)
Following his appearance at the CBeebies house, the Leeds-born presenter spoke of his delight at making his debut, but also insisted that there is still a desperate need for more representation of disabled people on television.
Speaking to The Guardian, George said: ‘I felt really positive, excited and happy to start. I think there needs to be a lot more representation because we are people too. Although we are different, we need to be treated equally.’
George first appeared on the channel to make a video debunking the myths surrounding Down syndrome, before being recruited as a presenter.
While he was initially meant to star as a guest host, his appearance was so popular that fans called for him to be hired full-time.
CBeebies producer Claire Taylor also spoke to the paper, saying: “We originally arranged for George to be a guest presenter just to ease him in and introduce him to the CBeebies family…
‘But really, I think we’re pretty quickly looking at a Friday every other week, aren’t we, George? And then I’m sure it will hit a weekly slot, if not more.’
George’s mother told the publication: “I was crying one minute and smiling the next. I love his work ethic and his positivity. We always say that George’s days are all 10 out of 10 because he makes them that way.
Inspiration: The 22-year-old CBeebies host, who has Down syndrome, revealed that he was ‘molested’ and ‘called names’ by his peers, detailing a horrifying bathroom experience
His appearance was met with widespread praise on Twitter, with viewers’ parents praising George’s recruitment and debut.
Users wrote: ‘You know George Webster is someone special when even he himself is being praised by the legend of British children’s television…
“Big congratulations to George Webster on his new job and huge respect to CBeebies for hiring him, it’s a big step for representation…
‘Very happy to see this. Good luck George! Not that you need it, you’re brilliant… Welcome George, good job this morning. His smile and enthusiasm are so contagious and we have sparkling heart shakes here too, a great addition to the team…
‘@CBeebiesHQ great example of equality in the workplace #inclusion’.
He was selected for the role through his work as an ambassador for Mencap.
Mencap’s official Twitter page shared a tweet congratulating George on his news, with the message reading: “We are so excited to see our fantastic ambassador George Webster become a presenter…
‘Congratulations George from everyone here at Mencap! You are a brilliant role model, so it’s great that you get the chance to introduce yourself to so many people.”
In his myth-busting video about Down syndrome, George said, “My name is George because that’s who I am.” It’s not George Down. People with Down are not always happy…
‘People with Down syndrome have emotions and feelings just like anyone else. Nor do they ‘suffer’ from the condition. I have an amazing life…
‘It has been very positive. I loved going to school. I went to two amazing local schools. I had support at both schools, which helped me in my education. I got GCSE and A level equivalent in BTec sport, level 3.’
Horrible: Said: ‘A guy threw one of those ‘slippery floor’ signs over the door and it hit me’