Gail Porter has revealed the painful injuries she suffered after falling at a London tube station while urging people to think twice before criticising someone's appearance.
The former Big Breakfast presenter shared photos of cuts and bruises across her face on Friday (July 24). In her social media post, Gail explained that people had recently slated her for 'looking old' or that 'something was wrong' with her face.
What happened
Wanting to set the record straight, Gail explained she had been injured while travelling to see Trainspotting The Musical where she had gone to support friends involved in the production. The 54-year-old stressed that she simply had a 'wee accident' after she was knocked over while making her way down the stairs.
In the heartfelt caption alongside a selfie, Gail wrote: 'So…to all you wonderful keyboard warriors that said I’m looking old, and saying something was wrong with my face… I went to @trainspottingthemusical to support my friends that created this. Last week. I was knocked over while going down the stairs at a London tube station. It was just a wee accident on the stairs. Nothing intentional! My scars are superficial and it’s not a problem. It was an accident and it won’t stop me being me.'
Gail added: 'Please…from the bottom of my heart...don’t ever be disrespectful to anyone for how they look or how they are. Kindness is so invaluable x'
Support from fans
The post quickly attracted hundreds of messages of support. Fans wished the Scots presenter a 'speedy recovery' while calling out those who had criticised her appearance.
One well-wisher said: 'Ouch that looks sore, take care from a wee Glaswegian.' A second wrote: 'What a horrible fall, but you’re a fighter. Take it easy and be kind to yourself.' Others were quick to slam the trolls who had commented on her appearance. 'Oh wow thats a tumble and a half. Rest up and recover. Ignore the keyboard warriors they are nothing but cowards, not worth the energy. Much love.'
TV presenter Sarah Cawood commented: 'My poor girl! That looks sore. Honestly Gail, what IS this world we live in? Sending you a giant squish darling.'
High spirits despite fall
Despite the nasty fall, Gail appeared to be in good spirits as she attended the press night of Trainspotting The Musical on Wednesday (July 22). In a separate Instagram post, she shared a smiling selfie while standing on what appeared to be a tube station escalator, joking that she was 'a wee Scottish Warrior'.
Gail first found fame during the 1990s through her TV presenting roles on The Big Breakfast and Top of the Pops. After the breakdown of her marriage to Toploader guitarist Dan Hipgrave in 2005, Gail developed alopecia while filming in the United States. She has previously spoken about waking up to find her hair falling out in clumps and losing her eyebrows and eyelashes within weeks.
She has since become widely admired for embracing her appearance, famously choosing not to wear wigs and instead encouraging others to feel confident in being themselves.
