You know the festive season is well and truly upon us when celebrities start signing up for Christmas lights switch-ons around the country.
But one celebrity who WON’T be taking part in any such ceremony is Love Island’s Kady McDermott, after she was dramatically AXED from doing the honours in Hertfordshire.
Kady, 21, had been snapped up to switch on the Christmas lights in Welwyn Garden City on November 16.
But there was one BIG problem – local residents didn’t want her.
A petition was started by parents who deemed Kady a poor example to their children and urged organisers to choose a “local hero” instead of a reality star.
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Alongside a photo of Kady lying in a bathroom next to the toilet, it read: “What kind of example are we setting our children by having the girl from Love Island (shown drunk in this photo), switch on our Christmas lights?
“This is a family event and it would be much better to have a local hero instead.
“Give the money (that would otherwise fund her appearance fee), to a local charity. Set a better example to our kids.
“If you don’t, we won’t show up to the event.”
More than 1,000 people have now signed the petition – and organisers listened, announcing they had cancelled Kady’s appearance.
A spokesperson said: “We had good intentions to create an inclusive event for all ages of the WGC community.
“We came across Kady through the Brain Tumour Research charity which Kady supports and has raised a significant amount of money for.
“Kady has almost a million followers on social media, including many reputable brands and charities but generally appeals to the teenage population.
“We did not foresee such a strong reaction from the community and will be cancelling Kady’s appearance at the Christmas Light Switch-on.”
A devastated Kady reacted by sharing a string of tearful Snapchats saying she wasn’t upset about the job being taken away, she was upset about the “disgusting” comments from her critics.
She said she’d been “shocked and flattered” when the organisers reached out to her about turning on the lights, as Welwyn Garden City is the place where she grew up.
But she was stunned by the backlash.
“I’m not everyone’s cup of tea – not everyone likes Love Island – but it wasn’t the petition that upset me the most, it was the comments that came with it.
“They were absolutely disgusting. All day I’ve been called names by people who didn’t even watch Love Island and don’t know I was with one boy the whole time. They’ve said I shouldn’t be allowed on this planet, I shouldn’t have the privilege of turning the lights on, that I’m a disgusting waste of space.”
“If you don’t want me to turn on the lights, that’s fine, but I’ve been bullied and trolled so much today it’s disgusting,” she said.
“I think people forget Love Island doesn’t define me. I’m human. Someone’s daughter, granddaughter and sister. And the comments I’ve received are absolutely disgusting.
“I’ve been treated like I’m from Crimewatch.”
Many fans rushed to her defence, saying they were sorry she had been axed from the event.
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One wrote: “We all love you Kady! There were girls who’ve acted a lot worse and come out into reality and continued to act that way. I think that you’re an inspiration to young women today!”
Another said: “Chin up, we all love you and are here to support you in your future success.”