UNDATEABLES star Justin Coling has opened up about the vile abuse he receives on the street from children - and their parents.
The 42-year-old from Rugby, West Midlands, suffers from neurofibromatosis - a rare genetic condition that causes tumours to grow on his face.
Justin, who works at a printing firm, appeared on the first series of the Channel 4 show where cameras followed him as he ventured into the world of dating.
But while many people recognise Justin in the street and stop him for photographs, he told how the reaction isn't always positive, with some cruel strangers pointing, staring and even laughing at him.
Speaking about a recent incident, he said: "People are usually very nice. They'll stop me for photos or ask about the show.
"But this particular day, I was on my way home from work and a young family got on the bus.
"The children began pointing at me and jeering. The mum shushed a little girl but when the child called me a monster her mum just laughed.
"She did the same thing again. I explained to the mum that by laughing she was encouraging her daughter.
"I couldn't believe it. I mean children will stare and say things but how could she support her?
"When I asked her not to laugh she just laughed even louder.
"It was so shocking.
"It was so rude. I couldn't believe it."
Just two days later, Justin found himself the target of more distressing taunts.
This time when a child started pointing at him and whispering, he approached them and calmly told him to stop as it was "rude".
He said: "As I did the young lad ran to his mother and she told me he was only five."
Justin told how he believes parents should speak to their children and explain to them why they shouldn't point and gawp at someone who "looks different" in the street.
He admitted: "Life is hard with people staring.
"Ideally I would like people not to point, but I know some kids will point.
"I would like parents to explain not to do that and explain it is not nice and not appropriate.
"People sometimes laugh and it is not appropriate."
Although Justin didn't manage to find love on The Undatables with Tracey, the pair keep in contact and he is still hoping to meet someone to share his life with.
He said: "I'm single but I am still looking.
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