Mum criticises Big Brother 'keyboard warriors'

Linda Gilbert said her son, George, was a "lovely boy" who was popular among those who knew him

The mother of a Big Brother contestant has criticised "keyboard warriors" attacking her son online.

George Gilbert, from Finchingfield, near Braintree in Essex, entered the ITV reality show's house on Tuesday night.

But viewers started "getting really personal" on social media and mocked the 23-year-old's appearance, according to his mother, Linda Gilbert.

She defended her "lovely boy" and said: "I know if George were to see some of the things that have been written about him, he would laugh. I've had so many lovely messages of support and saying he's smashing it, so that's what matters."

Mr Gilbert pictured with his 26-year-old brother, Charlie

Big Brother is a reality TV show where contestants live together in a house that is rigged with cameras and microphones.

Housemates vying for the £100,000 prize nominate each other for eviction every week until the winner remains.

'Opinionated'

Mrs Gilbert admitted she was "very, very anxious" about her son, who is a parish councillor in his village, going on the show.

"He's had a lot of hate on social media, but I think people are starting to see the real George now and the tide is turning," she told the BBC.

"He's quite opinionated, but he's never nasty with it.

"In these days where people are easily offended, sometimes people are quite surprised when he's saying what a lot of people think but aren't prepared to say."

Mrs Gilbert said "keyboard warriors" immediately began targeting Mr Gilbert online on Tuesday, when he was introduced as one of four new housemates brought in to stir things up.

"[They were] saying 'I hate George, get him out, he's creepy' – getting really personal," Mrs Gilbert added.

"Even on his looks, it's really quite bad. But I do feel the tide is turning. It's pantomime, isn't it?"

Mr Gilbert has previously worked as a refuse collector

Away from his council duties, Mr Gilbert works as a film extra, once featuring in Downton Abbey.

He has also been a stand-in for Ed Sheeran, a refuse collector and has tried his hand at roof thatching.

"He's a very old head on young shoulders, is our George," his mother said. "He's like a little old man at times."

His "quirky" nature meant applying for Big Brother came as no surprise to Mrs Gilbert.

She added: "Nothing shocks me with George, absolutely nothing."