TOWIE star James Lock has criticised Priti Patel for 'inciting hate' towards influencers enjoying their time in far flung destinations while the UK was put into lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The reality star, 34, said he has received death threats from fans and angry calls for him to be sacked from TOWIE and arrested after Priti Patel's damning comments last month.
Patel slammed the celebs 'showing off' in the sun while Britons continue to deal with gruelling restrictions at home.
The Home Secretary also made a scathing dig at those 'turning up with their skis at St Pancras Station.'
"We see plenty of influencers on social media showing off about what part of the world they are in," added Patel, saying she was not afraid to 'call people out.'
"Going on holiday is not an exemption and it's important people stay at home," she fired.
Lock said Patel's comments led to a string of angry messages being directed at him and other influencers.
"We've been bombarded with vile abuse," he told The Sun.
'We have had death threats. People have said 'I hope you get Covid and die', they've said 'I hope your family gets Covid and dies'.
"The hate has increased one hundred per cent after what Priti Patel said in the House of Commons
"I think it is disgusting she has tried to use influencers as a scapegoat. It is embarrassing the government are trying to pass the blame.
"She has basically incited hate. We've been bombarded with hate and death threats ever since then. It's increased tenfold. It's been crazy," he explained.
Foreign travel - with a few exceptions - has been banned in the UK since January 5.
Lock said he had flown out to Dubai for work before angry fans started to demand he was booted off TOWIE.
Despite the backlash, the star has remained in the UAE where he is currently working as a content creator.
During his trip, Lock is said to have split from girlfriend Yasmin Oukellou.
Sources have claimed the pair have moved into different hotel rooms after things turned sour.
Last month Dubai was added to the 'red list' of countries that travel to Britain is prohibited after a surge in covid cases.
A Government spokesperson said: “People should not be travelling unless absolutely essential.
"Going on holiday is not an exemption, it is vital that people stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”
