Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick has called in extra security at her countryside mansion following a string of homophobic death threats.
Michelle, who plays Vanessa Woodfield in the ITV soap, opened up about the horrific abuse earlier this year that took aim at her sexuality and left her fearing for her safety.
The star admitted she had to call in police to ensure her and her wife, Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks and their two-year-old son, Edward, felt safe, in their own home.
READ MORE: Emmerdale’s most disliked character unveiled – and the soap exit that had fans talking
Back in May, Michelle told OK! Magazine: “We’ve had a bit of trolling over the last few years. And there have been certain times when police have had to be called because there have been death threats.
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“When they’re mentioning your son’s name and you’re just going ‘Really? I’m just in a soap you know – we’re not doing any harm to anybody.'”
Kate, who has worked on the likes of Coronation Street and Hollyoaks as well, added: “It’s all pretty horrific, isn’t it?
“The majority of people are really wonderful and supportive, but, you know, as great as social media can be, there is this real dark side to it as well.”
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She also told her 125,000 followers on Instagram that she was pleased with a security firm she had hired and praised their “fantastic service.”
She said: “Just wanted to say what fantastic service we have had from the very first phone call to the end result.
“Anyone local to the Leeds/Wakefield area who needs security solutions then look no further than @msc.security.solutions.”
Michelle came out as gay nine years ago when she was in a relationship with her ex, Rosie Nicholl.
They were married for two years and then got divorced in 2017.
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In 2018 Michelle confirmed her relationship with Kate, the pair got engaged the same year and tied the knot nine months later.
The couple revealed that they were expecting their first child together in 2020, with Michelle carrying their son, while Kate donated the egg.
Michelle has always praised Emmerdale for normalising same sex relationships, and couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the ITV soap.
Her much-loved character was previously in a relationship with Charity Dingle, and was recently linked to Suzy Merton.
Michelle revealed earlier this year that she Kate Brooks are expecting a second baby together as she shared the happy news on Instagram, saying they were “super excited”.
She uploaded a snap of the couple’s toddler Teddy underneath a screen which said: “Coming this winter… Baby Brooks #2.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
