Ofcom receives hundreds of complaints over Steve Allen’s Tilly Ramsay comments
Watch: Gordon Ramsay says he’s ‘proud’ of daughter Tilly for standing up to Steve Allen
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has received 840 complaints about LBC radio host Steve Allen after derogatory remarks about Strictly Come Dancing star Tilly Ramsay.
The 67-year-old took aim at the 19-year-old CBBC star and chef over her participation on the series, branding her a “chubby little thing”, blaming her dad Gordon Ramsay’s cooking.
Following the comments, Ramsay hit back on Instagram, affirming she “won’t tolerate people that think it’s OK to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance”.
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Dozens of stars and hundreds of fans spoke out in support of Ramsay, with many reporting the comments to Ofcom in a bid to get Allen investigated.
Ofcom has said in a statement: “We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.”
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It’s been reported that Allen has since reached out to Ramsay to issue a personal apology, with neither he or Ramsay discussing the matter further over the past week.
On his radio show, which aired on October 18, Allen became critical of Ramsay after learning that she was a participant on Celebrity Masterchef: Australia.
He responded: “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 cooking, I should imagine.”
Soon, Ramsay’s Strictly castmates led the charge in terms of support.
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Ex-Bake Off winner John Whaite, making Strictly history as the first all-male couple with Johannes Radebe, wrote: "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."
Judi Love, currently competing with Graziano Di Prima added: "Omggg I am fuming!!! How dare he come for you!! You are so beautiful, as a person with a dam gorgeous body!!"
I’m A Celebrity winner Giovanna Fletcher, whose husband Tom Fletcher is participating on the series with Ramsay, also sent her love, and wrote: "I just gasped so loudly at his comments. There are many words to use for him, however he is irrelevant and not worth it.
“YOU are sunshine. YOU are welcoming, bubbly, fun, kind, sweet, and endearing. YOU are beautiful from your head to your toes and the inside out. Keep doing you! Xxxx"
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays at 7.10pm on BBC One, with the results show airing on Sunday.
WATCH: Tilly Ramsay dances a waltz on 'Strictly Come Dancing'
