Emmerdale's Michelle Hardwick has revealed the disgusting homophobic abuse she has received on social media.
The Wakefield actor, who plays Vanessa Woodfield in the soap, published the horrific comments posted on her Instagram account, with one commenter calling her a "d**e" and a "lesbo brat".
But the 45-year-old was defiant, posting on Twitter: "Come on, show us who you really are… I dare you!"
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The actor has been openly gay since 2013 and is married to Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks, who replied to Michelle's tweet saying: "Hi ‘Michael’, the original Prisoner Cell Block H called from 1985 - they’d really like their insults back. Thanks a mill."
The Emmerdale actor later posted an update on Twitter thanking fans for their support.
"Overwhelmed by all your beautiful supportive messages," she wrote on a rainbow-coloured background.
"I honestly don't take it to heart, I just like to highlight it every so often.
"Thank you to every single person who took the time to message me whether I know you personally or not. I promise I'll read them all.
"Happy bank holiday."
Michelle has featured in Emmerdale since 2012, playing vet Vanessa Woodfield. Previously she starred in Yorkshire-set medical drama The Royal as receptionist Lizzie Hopkirk.
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