Strictly Come Dancing's Tilly Ramsay Hits Back At DJ Steve Allen After On-Air Body-Shaming Comments: 'I Won't Tolerate It'

"Being called out on a national radio station by a 67-year-old man is a step too far."
Tilly Ramsay
Tilly Ramsay
Ray Burmiston/BBC

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Tilly Ramsay has hit back at a radio DJ who made negative remarks about her body live on air.

The TikTok star, who is the daughter of TV chef Gordon Ramsay, responded to LBC DJ Steve Allen after he called the 19-year-old “a chubby little thing”.

In a post on Instagram, Tilly wrote: “I try not to read and listen to comments about negativity however recently being called out on a national radio station by a 67-year-old man is a step too far.

“Steve - please feel free [to] voice your opinions, however I draw the line at commenting on my appearance. It’s such a shame that someone is trying to make such a positive experience negative.”

Tilly continued: “This isn’t the first and definitely won’t be the last comment made about my appearance and I accept myself.

“But please remember that words can hurt and at the end of the day I am only 19 and I’m so grateful for all the amazing opportunities I have been able to take part in, and I understand that being in the public eye obviously comes with its own repercussions and I’ve been aware of this from a young age.

“However, I won’t tolerate people who think it’s okay to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance.”

Tilly also shared an audio clip of Steve’s remarks, which came after a listener informed him she was also appearing on the pre-recorded Celebrity MasterChef Australia.

Steve, who hosts the weekday 4am to 7am slot on LBC, then said: “Is she? Well, she can’t blimming well dance!

“I’m bored of her already. She’s a chubby little thing isn’t she. Have you noticed? Probably her dad’s cooking I should imagine.”

Tilly on the Strictly dancefloor with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin
Tilly on the Strictly dancefloor with professional partner Nikita Kuzmin
BBC/Guy Levy

Tilly was supported by a number of her Strictly Come Dancing co-stars, with dance partner Nikita Kuzmin sending a love heart emoji with the hashtag #BeKind.

Pro dancer Oti Mabuse wrote: “What on earth? Love you @tillyramsay some people just have no regard for others.”

Giovanni Pernice added: “Some people are very nasty !! Don’t listen to this crap .. we love You girl ! #bekind.”

Fellow contestant AJ Odudu said: “Well said Tilly! Your beauty radiates inside and out.”

Judi Love commented: “Omggg I am fuming!!! How dear he come for you!! You are so beautiful, as a person with a dam gorgeous body!!!”

John Whaite added: “His vicious scratching has only left you polished and more fabulous. Love you.”

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 7.05pm on BBC One.

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