Katie Piper thinks the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Halloween special could send the wrong message about looking “different”.
The 34-year-old TV presenter – who was left with burns on her face and body following an acid attack 10 years ago – believes graphic make-up that might be used for some costumes is a “backward step” because youngsters should be taught it is “normal to be scarred”.
She told The Sun newspaper: “I’m fine with dressing up as a cat or a wizard. But the trend towards fake scars, blood and gore seems like a backward step.
“I’d like to teach our kids that it’s normal to be scarred, disfigured or disabled. It’s a taboo that I hope will be defeated within my lifetime.
“I would like my daughters and their friends to think it’s absolutely unacceptable to insult, criticise or pick on someone because they look in any way different.”
The Halloween-themed episode of the ballroom show will air on October 27, and bosses are mindful that families will be watching.
A spokesman said: “We are sensitive not to scare or offend any viewers with our costumes or make-up.”
Katie’s comments come after she admitted she has been “overwhelmed” by Strictly.
The mother-of-two had hoped the show – on which she is partnered by Gorka Marquez – would provide her with a “welcome distraction” at a difficult time in her personal life, but she’s finding it tougher than she expected.
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She said: “I have been having lots of things going on in my personal life, legal things, and I think it became psychologically overwhelming for me…
“I get really emotional on Mondays and Tuesdays, it’s always then I want to storm off in a tantrum and cry because it’s a new routine and song, it’s so overwhelming.”
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