Stephen Webb defended by Celebs Go Dating expert amid viewer backlash over 'smutty' approach
Former Gogglebox star Stephen Webb has been defended by Celebs Go Dating expert Anna Williamson after viewers criticised his behaviour on the show.
Throughout the series, Stephen hasn't had much luck with his dates, with one even rating him a zero out of 10 in feedback.
Audiences have taken to social media to criticise the reality star's "smutty" dating style as "awful" and "embarrassing", and he also received a stern talking-to from dating expert Paul C Brunson about his conduct.
Although his feedback has improved, the 53 year old is still searching for his perfect match from the agency, believing that age differences and his unique sense of humour could be factors.
In a recent emotional moment on the show, he expressed his feelings about the negative feedback: "It's hard. It's really hard. I'm a hot mess. My head's all over the place. I feel like my whole personality has been destroyed."
Speaking exclusively to Reach PLC, Anna, 43, said that despite calls for Stephen to be cancelled, she doesn't believe this should happen as he "has a heart of gold".
She explained: "We're here to learn and I get it, I get people's reactions, they're seeing a snippet of what happens on the show. What they don't see are the background chats that we have, when we turn up to work in the morning, and we have a big hug and a kiss.
"Stephen really pulled at my heart strings actually, because I could tell that he had never heard such truthful feedback.
"It became very apparent as that feedback was unravelling that, actually he just didn't realise how his behaviour was coming across because he's not like that.
"He has a heart of gold and inexperience was coming through in his dating etiquette, and he doesn't deserve the backlash.
"But, I just want people to stick with it and I hope people have a big dose of humble pie at the end with him."
Following his split from husband and Gogglebox co-star Daniel Lustig, Stephen joined Celebs Go Dating, with Daniel offering his support throughout the show.
Speaking on the Suddenly Single podcast, Stephen admitted his dating game is "rusty" and suggested his old school humour might not resonate with younger dates and viewers.
He said: "I have got a 1970s Benny Hill sense of humour which doesn't go down well with the under 30s."
Stephen further claimed that many people are "ready to be offended" and quick to "cancel you".
He also mentioned that he wasn't seeking anything serious on the show and only participated for the money.
Gogglebox will continue tonight at 9pm on Channel 4.