Great British Bake Off star left 'distressed' after death threats on wedding day (original) (raw)

Former The Great British Bake Off star Sandi Toksvig has revealed she needed security on her wedding day after a flood of death threats.

The 66-year-old formally married her other half Debbie Toksvig back in 2014 and because of their sexuality, it sadly came with some hate.

Recalling the death threats she has received since coming out as gay, the presenter shared: "Oh, some people get very cross about you living your life in something other than what's perceived as the norm.

"When my wife and I did our formal marriage vows at the Festival Hall 2014, we had to have close protection police."

After Rosebud podcast host Gyles Brandreth branded the ordeal "distressing", she continued on the episode: "Well, there's a lot of intemperate language used at the moment, particularly on social media.

"People having a go at marginalised groups and it has a knock-on effect all around.

Sandi Toksvig and wife Debbie had security on their wedding day after death threats (Image: GETTY)

"So yeah, it's you know, I've had some really detailed death threats."

The presenter, who has three children with her ex-partner Peta Stewart, said she mostly received abuse at a time when there were "no out women in showbusiness at all".

And while at times the horrific abuse continues, she had nothing but praise for the "fantastic" police hate crime squad for their support and handling of the situation.

Furthermore, in a warning to trolls who have sent death threats, Sandi urged them to "have a think" before doing so as "your words might hurt somebody's life".

Refusing to let the abuse get her down however, the presenter said she tries to "stay cheerful" and doesn't live in fear.

Sandi entered a civil partnership with her wife in 2007 and seven years later, this was converted into marriage after same-sex marriage was brought into the UK.

The Great British Bake Off continues tonight at 8pm on Channel 4.

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