Latest sob story/blatant vote appeal

Ricky Whittle was bullied at school for being bald (or something like that - I didn't pay much attention as I fall asleep whenever he starts talking)

:yawn:

He was actually talking about being racially bullied at school as part of a campaign Radio 1 are running about bullying.

This quite a serious issue and lots of celebrities are currently involved in talking about bullying and giving advice on children on how they can grow their confidence. I expect most are doing this because they know how awful it is to be bullied at school and want to try and help children currently in this situation. I really don't see this as a sob story ploy.

I thought it might have been part of the Radio 1 anti-bullying campaign - don't see it as a sob story, rather good for him for taking part. Anything that makes kids who are being bullied feel less alone and raise awareness of what to do can to stop it can only be a good thing in my books.

It is part of the Radio 1 campaign. And it's vitally important that celebrities who are looked up to by kids "come out" about bullying. It's essential these kids know they're not alone so that they can get the confidence to tell someone and seek help.

Way to go Ricky, in my opinion.

Ah now, don't let the actual truth get in the way of another Bash Ricky W thread!

He's certainly picked the ideal time to "come out" with this though...

Strictly Come Dancing + Bullying + Children in Need = VOTES!!!

Let's not pretend otherwise.

How dare Children in need run an anti-bullying campaign at the same time as Strictly and ask it's contestants to contribute.........I mean it's so obvious Ricky set the whole thing up!!! :yawn:

Bullying is a serious problem at school, in the workplace and in other walks of life. Charities have been set up to support vulnerable children in school and also gives them a "safe" place and also counselling on how to deal with bullying and other aspects of school life.

Anyone who has been bullied can tell you how awful it is and what it does to their self-esteem. Charities, such as Eikon, are there for the child to support him or her through any problems.

Well done Radio 1, Ricky Whittle and anyone who raises the awareness of the effects from bullying.

If anyone does go public they are not spinning a sob story as another poster claimed - they are simply highlighting a serious social problem that is endemic in 2009 that needs to be stamped out.

You have to be kidding me! Kids that are being bullied are among the "Children in Need". The charty has been doing this fundraising drive (telethon thing) for years at this time of year (since well before Strictly), celebs always take part, who better than past victims to stand up for current ones.

The stuff about him wanting to be white is a shame. Seems to have had a bad upbringing. I guess if he wins SCD he will feel he's beaten the bullies who made his school life a misery. I'm sure bad experiences as a child - such as bullying - can motivate you to succeed as an adult, to prove you can achieve things.

I've noticed a lot of celebs seem to have been bullied or had some bad experience as a kid. Seems quite common.

A lot of schools are having an anti-bullying week and these sorts of tales are important.

Will it make me pity the Ricky W who is now good looking, in a good job, well off, physically fit and seemingly well liked? No. But it's sad that he had to go through that and nice that he spoke out.

Won't affect me voting for him.

I can't believe anyone would use a story on being bullied as another chance to criticise Ricky. He was telling what has happened to him in the past to help others in similiar positions.

If you don't like him that is fine you are more than entitled to your opinion but don't get at the bloke for trying to do something good.

What did you want him to say when he was asked the question or to take part in the campaign - "Oh can't answer that because I'm on strictly and some people will think I'm giving an answer to get votes." Seriously

Oh I think it's a bit harsh to criticise Ricky here.

After hearing about the girl who was bullied into taking her own life by her so-called friends the other night, I hope this issue gets as much attention as possible . And if someone like Ricky can help raise awareness about it, then good for him.

I think it is disgusting to suggest he did this as a way to get more votes.

Bullying is a serious issue. Have you ever been bullied OP? Have you ever seen a suicidal child and try to help them? I have on both counts. Its not a laughing matter and certainly not funny or clever to use this story just so you can get your rocks off bashing Ricky on here.

And FYI: I would be the same on here if it was any of the celebs talking about this, not just because Ricky is my favourite. Ive seen the consequences of bullying and I really dont think this type of thread is appropriate. At all.

SHAME ON YOU

FYI Radio one only recently launched it as part of its six-week anti-bullying season. It has nothing to do with C.I.N

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pre...llyproof.shtml

So, not having heard the interview I take it that the OP is just a lot of spiteful rubbish.

Sometimes, I come on here and I do wonder what pleasure people can take from their lives if they're lived in this miasma of suspicion and contempt, where every person's actions are somehow dubious or fishy, and in which everyone is out to gain some - usually indescribably petty and obscure - advantage through deception.

Man alive. It's a sh*tty enough world as it is, without spending it trying to imagine ways in which the non-sh*tty is actually mean and nasty too.

Is Ricky in fact bald then?
I just presumed that he shaved his head in keeping with trends.

The section on ITT the other night brought it home just how much a person's hairstyle is only part of the whole picture - e.g can't visualise Ricky with hair a la James Jordan and Len with a perm was too much.

I don't like him but I can't believe this is being turned into a bashing thread.

I think (although I didnt hear the interview) from the headlines that he was bullied for being black as the headlines say it made him want to be white......

He doesnt look bald to me he hust has closely shaven head doesnt he ?? it might be receding or something if he grew it but he certainly isnt bald. ....he has a hair shadow on his head.

He isnt my fav on strictly by any means but I dont think this is a gimmick.

Yeah, probably. I can't understand why people bash poor old Ricky so much He was possibly my favourite character in Eastenders.

He's not my favourite but anyone who stands up against bullying is cool by me!

I always like to think life levels out against the bullies in the end...but sadly in some cases it doesn't.

You mean Hollyoaks? Its Ricky Groves that was in Eastenders

Hilarious. I find Ricky very inoffensive. I'm not his biggest fan, but I don't think there's anything to dislike either. He's a good dancer; I suppose that's reason enough for some on here to dislike him.