Cherylee Houston believes the conversation created is helping
Coronation Street star Cherylee Houston has thanked people for their supportive messages after she suffered horrible abuse from a car driver.
Cherylee, who plays Izzy Armstrong in the ITV soap, revealed the incident on Twitter, saying: “Was just crossing the road and a car beeped… and a man shouted ‘Spastic’ at me.”
Her Tweet resulted in a flood of messages of support for her, with many people also sharing stories of how they’d suffered similar abuse.
Clearly touched by the messages, Cherylee wrote: “Thank you everyone for your kind and supportive messages. So many people with disabilities have contacted me to say the same has happened to them.
“So I’m really pleased it’s being talked about. Hate is only founded in fear and ignorance so this conversation is helping.”
Cherylee’s Coroantion co-stars were among those rallying around to support her, with Georgia Taylor, who plays Toyah, saying: “Oh darling this is horrendous. I’m sorry you had to go through that. I hope you’re okay, lovely one xxx.”
While Kate Ford, who plays Tracy, said: “Something very wrong with that man darling. How horrible it must be to be him.”
Upon hearing Cherylee’s story, the charity Scope said: “Disabled people have the right to go about their daily life without experiencing this kind of disgusting abuse.”
The Lancashire-born actress, who’s also appeared in Holby City, Emmerdale and Doctors, first joined Corrie in 2010.
Outside of acting, Cherylee, who was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome type III (EDS) at the age of 23, established the Manchester-based youth project Triple C, with the aim of making drama accessible to all.
Main pic: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock
