STRICTLY’S Shirley Ballas has defended Tilly Ramsay after radio host Steven Allen made a cruel jibe about her weight.
The BBC judge was left “outraged” after the LBC host called the 19-year-old a “chubby little thing”.
Now Shirley has told of her own ordeal at the hands of body bullies.
She said: “My darling, having been through this myself I hear you. To me you are beautiful just as you are.”
Shirley’s comments, made on Instagram, were liked by hundreds of people.
And Shirley’s fellow Mosti Mabuse has now demanded the DJ who made the comments publicly says sorry.
“This is body shaming,” she said. “Shameful. Tilly deserves a genuine apology.”
While comedian Jason Manford branded Allen a “bitter p***k” and a “dinosaur” and urged Tilly’s dad Gordon to give him a tongue lashing.
Earlier today Tilly hit back at the 67-year-old radio DJ after his offensive remarks about her body live on air.
The TikTok star responded to Allen after he called her “a chubby little thing”.
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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 blimmin 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 was also 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 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.”
Juide 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.”
While Love Island star and youth mental health ambassador Alex George wrote a letter to LBC in which he called the comments “horrific” and potentially devastating for the mental health of Tilly and the show’s listeners.
