Fans of Ellie Simmonds were in tears watching the Strictly Come Dancing star's documentary this evening.
The gold medal-winning swimmer detailed her journey to reuniting with her birth mother in an ITV documentary, after being adopted when she was just 10 days old.
Ellie Simmonds: Finding My Secret Family saw the Paralympian pay tribute to her adoptive family before exchanging letters with her birth mother.
But before connecting with her biological parent - whose identity Ellie is keeping private - the star had to read some tough documents.
ITV viewers watched as as Ellie read out the information sheet given to her birth mother after she was born, which saw medical professionals claim Ellie could be viewed as "stupid" or "evil". Ellie, 28, was born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism.
"Those born with dwarfism tend to be muscular and acrobatic, which is perhaps the reason for them traditionally being involved in the circus and other forms of theatre," the document began.
"Children have to deal with being stared at and laughed at by other children. Indeed, there are those with normal height who equate short stature with evil and stupidity."
The star also learned her birth mother originally wished Ellie had died at birth or had an abortion upon receiving the medical document.
After reading the document, a stunned Ellie said: "She knew something was different about me and that letter was given to her saying things like ‘evil, circus.’ Gosh that was 28 years ago, it wasn't that long ago and that language was used."
The inspirational star added: "I'm sure parents are vulnerable just going through the birth situation and you're given this letter about your child and you have visions about what it's going to be like. It's just scary. It's not nice to receive."
"Watching #elliesimmonds documentary & it is so heartbreaking. Also, the fact she was born in 1994 & the medical sheet her birth parents got about people with dwarfism. Like they are "stupid" and "evil" & would be in the circus. Truly disgusting," one viewer wrote on Twitter as the scene aired this evening.
Another added: "Watching #elliesimmonds. ASTOUNDED by the wording on the information sheet her birth parents were given. Children with dwarfism described as "stupid" and "evil". Suited for careers in the circus! This wasn't 100 years ago, it was in the 1990s!! Good grief!!"
A third penned: "#elliesimmonds watching you tonight I am in awe of the person you have become. Everyone's circumstances are different and the humility and understanding you have shown towards your birth mother is wonderful. What a moving documentary."
"I feel I speak for everyone watching the @EllieSimmonds1 documentary right now in saying we’d all love to give this amazing woman the biggest hug ever. Well done young lady. You’re amazing. #EllieSimmonds," another of the many tweets reads.
During the ITV broadcast, viewers watched as Ellie reconnected with her birth mother, whose identity remains private, and met her for the first time in a hotel off-camera.
