Celebs Go Dating fans accuse bosses of ‘catfishing’ after discovering fake Tinder profiles for Ferne McCann and Joey Essex to promote the show
Celebs Go Dating viewers have accused show bosses of “catfishing” them with adverts on Tinder - which are disguised to look like the real profiles of stars including Joey Essex and Ferne McCann.
The pair are currently taking part in the E4 reality show to find love, but producers have been using the dating app to promote the show by messaging users details of the programme if they match with the celebs.
Former Towie star Ferne McCann’s profile reads: “Essex girl born and bred. Just want a proper fit guy who likes to wine and dine.
“Most people think I'm a right loudmouth but I'm really a softie deep down. Swipe right if you've got a six pack ;) (sic)”
But as soon as anyone swipes right, they get a message reading: "Well hey there gorgeous. If you think you can handle this Essex girl, watch me on Celebs Go Dating. Monday at 10pm on E4 (sic),” along with a link to the show’s website.
One singleton @micko85 ranted on Twitter: “I thought I matched with @fernemccann on tinder and got catfished dammm you tinder (sic).”
Another, @kickthehenry, wrote: “Just got Catfished on Tinder by @fernemccann (sic).”
Ferne, 26, isn’t the only celebrity being used to promote the show as fellow ex-Towie personality Joey Essex, 26, also has a profile which has been tricking fans.
His account says: “Looking for a right salty girl who likes cats. My twosie is getting lonely without a girl to share it with… so swipe right if you want to get snuggly. (sic)”
Reacting to his profile, one admirer @rachelbc_ tweeted: “Omg I actually matched with real joey essex on tinder !!!! (sic).”
While @whiteroserachel said: “Lots of tweets from girls excited about matching @JoeyEssex_ on Tinder, not realising it's actually just an advert for #CelebsGoDating (sic).”
A spokeswoman for the show said: "The ads meet all advertising guidelines and are clearly marked as ‘sponsored’, branded with the E4 logo, and include transmission details.
"Should anyone match with the celebrities in the adverts they receive a message that clearly directs them to watch the show."
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This Morning reporter Ferne had a short-lived romance with Arthur Collins last year and previously had an on/off six-year relationship with her co-star Charlie Sims until their split in 2015.
Meanwhile, Joey was last linked to Made in Chelsea’s Stephanie Pratt after they met on the first series of Celebs Go Dating.
Celebrity Big Brother’s Jonathan Cheban, Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter, Diversity’s Perri Kiely and Pussycat Dolls star Melody Thornton are among other stars taking part in the series, which airs on weekdays at 10pm.
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