Celebs have been quick to use Twitter as a means of extending their profile online and developing direct relationships with their audience.

But last night Kristy Allsop (@kirstiemallsopp) discovered the downside of being so open when she became the target of a stream of nasty abuse from @steeeeeeeven.

Social networks operate entirely on the same basis as human relationships and mechanisms exist to block and cut off people that abuse the network.

Allsop has since blocked @steeeeeeeven and he’ll no doubt be kicked off Twitter. But no one should have to put up with such public abuse.