‘Maybe it’s my looks’: CBeebies host George Webster reveals he was bullied at school as the star – who has Down Syndrome – opens up about his horrific experiences in the toilet
George Webster has heartbreakingly admitted he experienced bullying at school.
The CBeebies presenter, 22, who has Down syndrome, revealed he was “picked up” and “verbated on” by his colleagues and described a horrifying experience in the toilet.
He told The Guardian: “A boy threw one of those slippery floor signs over the door and it hit me.”
When asked why he thinks he was being targeted, the inspirational star – who launched a new book called This Is Me on Thursday March 2 – replied: “I don’t know – because of my looks .”
In 2021, BBC bosses made history by hiring the first-ever TV presenter for children with the condition.
‘Maybe it’s my looks’: George Webster has heartbreakingly admitted he experienced bullying at school (pictured in November 2022)
After his appearance at the CBeebies house, the Leeds-born host spoke of his delight at his debut but also insisted there was still an urgent need for greater representation of people with disabilities on television.
Speaking to The Guardian, George said: “I just felt really positive and excited and happy to get going. I think there needs to be a lot more representation because we are human too. Even if we are different, we must be treated equally.”
George first appeared on the channel to direct a video busting the myths surrounding Down Syndrome before being hired as a presenter.
Although he was originally slated to be a guest presenter, his performance was so popular that fans clamored for him to take him full-time.
CBeebies producer Claire Taylor also spoke to the paper, saying: “We originally agreed that George would be a guest presenter just to ease him and introduce him to the CBeebies family…
“But I guess we actually have a Friday every two weeks now, don’t we, George? And then I’m sure there will be a weekly slot, if not more.’
George’s mum told the publication: “One minute I was babbling and the next I was smiling. I just love his work ethic and positive attitude. We always say George’s days are all 10 out of 10 because that’s how he makes them.
Inspiration: The CBeebies presenter, 22, who has Down syndrome, revealed he was ‘picked up’ and ‘berated’ by his colleagues and described a horrifying experience in the toilet
His performance was met with widespread praise on Twitter, with viewers’ parents praising the recruitment and George’s debut.
Users wrote: “You know George Webster is a special person when even he himself is praised by the legend of British children’s television…
“Congratulations to George Webster on his new gig and huge respect to CBeebies for hiring him – it’s a big step for representation…
“So happy to see that. Good luck George! Not that you need it, you’re brilliant… Welcome George, great work this morning. Your smile and enthusiasm are so contagious and so do we Sparkling Heart Smoothies, great addition to the team…
‘@CBeebiesHQ great example of equality in the workplace #inclusion’.
He was discovered for the role through his work as a Mencap ambassador.
Mencap’s official Twitter page shared a tweet congratulating George on his news. The message read: “We are delighted to have our fantastic Ambassador George Webster as presenter…
“Congratulations George from everyone here at Mencap! You are a brilliant role model so it’s great that you have the chance to introduce yourself to so many people.’
In his myth-busting video about Down Syndrome, George said, “I call myself George because that’s who I am. Not Down’s George. People with Downs aren’t always happy…
“People with Down syndrome have emotions and feelings just like any other person. They also do not “suffer” from the condition. I have a great life…
“It was very positive. I liked going to school. I went to two great local schools. I had support at both schools, which helped me with my education. I have GCSEs and an A-level equivalent in BTec-Sport, level 3.’
Terrible: He said: “A boy threw one of those signs that said ‘slippery floor’ over the door and it hit me.”