Wayne Lineker launches 'No Excuse For Abuse' campaign after 'engagement' backlash
The 58-year-old has received shocking online abuse for over 30 years
Last updated 2nd Mar 2021
If you cast your minds back to this time last week, you'll probably remember seeing what looked liked a super-loved up snap of Celebs Go Dating: The Mansion stars Wayne Lineker and Chloe Ferry announcing their engagement, shocking the world of showbiz in the process.
The pair, who have become great friends since appearing on the E4 show earlier this year, have now confirmed they were just having everybody on, but it turns out it was for a VERY important reason!
Speaking to our friends over at Viking FM, O Beach Ibiza owner Wayne has revealed he posted the photo to see how much online abuse the pair would receive in the comments section.
Admitting he's been receiving shocking abuse from online trolls for over 30 years, Wayne went on to explain his brand new anti-bullying campaign; No Excuse For Abuse.
Speaking candidly about the close friends he's lost due to mental health, including former Love Island host Caroline Flack and his ex-girlfriend, Love Island contestant Sophie Gradon, Wayne said, "I've lost all of these friends all over this horrific stuff that goes on.
"I get so much abuse it's frightening, it really is. I take a battering but I'm so thick-skinned it's not about me, it's about other people, so this is why I started the campaign. Not to protect myself but to protect others and to stop this absolute rubbish continuing because it's taking people's lives and putting people into depression and anxiety."
Wayne's mission for the #noexcuseforabuse campaign is to end online and media abuse, and to help make the world a better place.
It comes as celebrities like England footballer Marcus Rashford and former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson were among those to have been abused repeatedly on social media in recent months.
You can find out more about the #noexcuseforabuse campaign right here.
Now check out all of the reality TV stars you forgot ever dated:
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TOWIE: Mark Wright and Lauren Goodger
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However, after dating on and off for 10 years, the pair later ended their romance and Mark went on to marry actress Michelle Keegan.
The Hills: Jason Wahler and Lauren Conrad
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Following their rocky romance, the pair split and Lauren later married William Tell.
Love Island: Kady McDermott and Scott Thomas
Before she joined the cast of TOWIE to date Myles Barnett in 2018, Kady McDermott appeared on Love Island in 2016, where she found love with Ryan and Adam Thomas' brother Scott.
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Made In Chelsea: Binky Felstead and Jamie Laing
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TOWIE: Lydia Bright and James 'Arg' Argent
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Love Island: Sam Gowland and Georgia Harrison
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Made In Chelsea: Lucy Watson and Jamie Laing
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Made In Chelsea: Ollie Locke and Chloe Green
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TOWIE: Lucy Mecklenburgh and Mario Falcone
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Made In Chelsea: Lucy Watson and Proudlock
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Love Island: Rykard Jenkins and Rachel Fenton
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Made In Chelsea: Rosie Fortescue and Hugo Taylor
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The Hills: Justin Bobby and Audrina Patridge
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Made In Chelsea: Spencer Matthews and Lucy Watson
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TOWIE: Joey Essex and Sam Faiers
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Made In Chelsea: Spencer Matthews and Louise Thompson
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Love Island: Tyla Carr and Jonny Mitchell
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Made In Chelsea: Alex Mytton and Binky Felstead
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The Hills: Heidi Montag and Jordan Eubanks
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TOWIE: Jess Wright and Ricky Rayment
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The Hills: Jayde Nicole and Brody Jenner
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TOWIE: Lauren Pope and Kirk Norcross
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Love Island: Montana Brown and Alex Beattie
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Geordie Shore: Vicky Pattison and Jay Gardner
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Celebs Go Dating: Megan Barton-Hanson and Demi Sims
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TOWIE: Bobby Norris and Harry Derbidge
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Celebs Go Dating: Charlotte Dawson and Frankie Cocozza
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Geordie Shore: Holly Hagan and James Tindale
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