Tilly Ramsay: what did Strictly Come Dancing Star say after LBC radio host Steve Allen called her ‘chubby’?

The early morning radio presenter has faced backlash over his comments about Tilly Ramsay’s weight

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Strictly Come Dancing star Tilly Ramsay has responded to the negative comments made about her weight and appearance by LBC host Steve Allen.

The 19-year-old said that “this isn’t the first and definitely won’t be the last” comment regarding her weight, but “being called out on a national radio station by a 67-year-old man is a step too far”.

This is what you need to know.

What did Steve Allen say?

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The LBC early morning host read out a comment from a listener saying that Ramsay was taking part in Celebrity Masterchef Australia as well as Strictly Come Dancing.

The host made the comments live on air (Photo: PA)The host made the comments live on air (Photo: PA)
The host made the comments live on air (Photo: PA)

Allen replied: “Is she? Well, she can’t blimming well dance, I’m bored with her already.

“She’s a chubby little thing, isn’t she? Have you noticed? Probably her dad’s [Gordon Ramsey] cooking, I should imagine.”

How did Tilly Ramsay respond?

On Instagram, Ramsay posted her response with the caption simply reading “#bekind”.

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In the post, she wrote: “I try not to read and listen to comments and 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. This isn’t the first and definitely won’t be the last comment made about my appearance and I accept that and I’m learning to 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 it’s own repercussions and I’ve been aware of this from a young age.

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

Neither Allen nor LBC have responded to Ramsey’s statement.

How have her fellow Strictly Come Dancing stars reacted?

On the post on Instagram, many of Ramsay’s Strictly Come Dancing co-stars have commented their support.

Dianne Buswell, Strictly Come Dancing professional, commented: “Tilly you’re a beauty inside and out. I think you’re so brave to speak up about this, perfectly said, I hope people learn from this. Just know that we all support you and think you’re wonderful xxxx”

Oti Mabuse, also a professional dancer on the show, wrote: “What on earth? Love you @TillyRamsey some people just have no regards for others.”

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Her dancing partner Nikita Kuzmin commented a love heart emoji and the hashtag “#bekind”.

Tilly Ramsey’s dancing partner Nikita Kuzmin offered his support on her Instagram post (Photo: PA)Tilly Ramsey’s dancing partner Nikita Kuzmin offered his support on her Instagram post (Photo: PA)
Tilly Ramsey’s dancing partner Nikita Kuzmin offered his support on her Instagram post (Photo: PA)

Former rugby player and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ugo Monye wrote: “Love ya Tilly.”

“You are beautiful inside and out Tilly! Remember people like him say those things because of their own insecurities and problems, don’t listen to them and do YOU because you are amazing girl, we love you! #bekind,” wrote Polish Strictly professional Jowita Przystal.

“He’s a piece of old sandpaper love, worn and used and has nothing to offer the world. And his vicious scratching has only left you polished and more fabulous,” John Whaite commented.

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It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara wrote: “How fast we forget what hurtful comments can do for someone’s mental health.

“You are a POWERFUL young lady! Wear your crown w/ your head held high.”

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