TOWIE favourites Junaid Ahmed and Freddie Bentley were left shaken yesterday after a vile homophobic attack.
The reality stars said they had abuse hurled at them on Wednesday afternoon when travelling on the London underground.
The popular ITVBe stars were recognised by a passenger on the train and began to verbally attack them.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Junaid said about the terrifying incident: "We were homophobically attacked on the tube today, which was absolutely disgusting.
"I don't ever get public transport, I get anxiety about it, with the show it can be a lot.
"I nearly got bottled in Ibiza a few weeks ago, I was backstage behind a DJ deck and these girls were holding bottles and were screaming abuse at me and Joe [Blackman], and I needed to move away from this because it was a lot.
"It's times like this that I realise the show has such a big impact."
He went on: "For the first time in a long time, me and Freddie got the train today and this guy was hurling the most disgusting abuse at us.
"He recognised us from the show and other people did too."
While Junaid decided to bite his tongue, Freddie said he hit back at the nasty thug.
Freddie told us: "I politely just smiled at him. Initially I thought he had noticed us, so I smiled at him and he was like 'yeah I am speaking about you, gay this, gay that. The way you're speaking is disgusting'.
"He was wearing headphones and said 'all I can do is hear your gay voices' and I turned around and you know me, I can't hold my tongue...I was like 'turn your music up then and ignore us'."
The passenger continued to shout homophobic names at the stars, before other commuters intervened.
Freddie stressed: "Our point is, it's 2024, regardless if we're in the public eye or not. Homophobic attacks should not be happening.
"I can't help the fact that I'm gay, like someone can't help the fact that they're a girl.
"Let people be happy and let people get on with their lives."
Junaid shared: "I was gobsmacked, some of the stuff that he was saying.
"It's sad really because we're such open books and we put ourselves on such a massive platform and we love our jobs.
"We love being able to resonate with other people, but it's the trolling and verbal attacks are disgusting."
They explained that the abuse can take a toll on them and now made them feel "uncomfortable" to take public transport alone.
Freddie bravely shared: "It makes us feel uncomfortable, me and Junaid are two of the most confident people you'll ever meet.
"Yes we have a rowdy reputation of being on TV but what people forget, although we're being genuine and true to ourselves, we're also there to make a reality show.
"We are genuine pure souls and I would never ever watch someone be horrible to someone for no reason.
"Thank god us two can handle the homophobic attack, even though we shouldn't have to handle it, but thank god we can because imagine if that was an 18-year-old gay kid who got on that tube tonight and they couldn't actually handle the attack - it pushes people to different limits."
Freddie, who is know for his straight-talking and fiery opinions, said he was left divided over whether to defend themselves or stay quiet over fears for their safety.
"I'm in one of those mindsets, where I can't help but say something, but in really that situation I really shouldn't say anything because it encourages someone to egg on it even more.
"But then I'm like 'why shouldn't I defend us.
"I'm not being made to feel uncomfortable or intimidated by no one."
"I was absolutely terrified, I was scared if they threw something at us, I was like 'get off the train, get off the train'," a shaken Junaid said.
Junaid, who has been a familiar face on the hit reality show since 2022, said it is only now dawning on him how big the show really is.
"I've never realised the impact of us being on the show and being out in public, it's absolutely crazy. I can't go to my local Tesco's without someone talking about the show," he said.
An emotional Junaid added: "We are human at the end of the day with real emotions and feelings, what you do see on the show is a massive part of our lives which we're so proud to share."
Despite the shocking incident, the TV faves have not let dampen their moon and will be back on screens for Towie Christmas special next month.
Junaid and Freddie are also both returning to the series next year and will be heading on the very glamourous away trip to Bali.
Last series, fans were stunned when Junaid and Joe began dating just a few weeks after Harry Derbidge's split from Joe.
It has divided cast members and caused plenty of drama and fallouts.
Despite the controversy, Junaid said he's happier than ever and has "a lot of love for Joe".
Viewers will also get to see more of their blossoming romance during the Christmas special.
While Freddie, who joined the show as Ella Rae Wise's best mate earlier this year, said he has no bad blood with anyone on the show and is hoping to be the "peacemaker" during the festive season.
He added: "I don't have an active problem with anyone on the show at the moment, I want to be the fairy godmother bringing everyone together this Christmas."
