Steve Allen’s radio host colleagues have called for his termination after Tilly Ramsay described him as a ‘chubby little bit’ on his morning program.
Allen, 67, is on air every Wednesday from 4am to 7am. On Wednesday, a caller asked Allen about Tilly. Tilly is the 19-year old daughter of Gordon Ramsay, celebrity chef and currently stars on Strictly Come Dancing.
He replied, “I’m bored of him already.” She’s a very chubby little thing, isn’t she? Have you noticed? I would guess that her dad is the one who cooks.
Co-workers of the LBC host have demanded that he be fired for his ‘outdated, archaic comments’ as well as for ‘bringing down the station’s reputation’.
According to The Sun’s source, Steve’s old and archaic comments were allowed to continue for far too many years. Many people want him out.
Steve Allen’s colleagues have called on his bosses for him to be fired after he called Tilly Ramsey (right) a “chubby little thing”.
Tilly Ramsay and Nikita Kuzmin during the dress run for the second Strictly Come Dancing episode 2021
They said: “Plenty of people think he should be given his marching orders because he hasn’t made any unacceptable comments on air before and has not been reprimanded.”
‘He should issue an apology at the least — but people want him gone.’
Tilly Ramsay shared a long statement on Instagram Wednesday in which she expressed shock and hurt at Allen’s comments about her appearance.
Criticism continued to pour in, with supporters calling for Allen’s ouster from the LBC in light of the comments.
Fans have already reported him to Ofcom for his comments about Tilly. Ofcom confirmed that it is currently reviewing the complaints.
However, an spokesman for Ofcom refused to say how many complaints it has received so far when approached by MailOnline, simply commenting: ‘We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate.
The ‘Complaints figures of programmes that attracted over 50 complaints will be published in the ‘Audience Complaints’ Bulletin, which is published every Wednesday.
MailOnline was told by Brie Read, Campaigner: “People should be held responsible for such terrible comments like this. They can be extremely harmful and potentially dangerous to a person’s well-being.
“The language, analysis, and labelling of bodies in the media and social media makes it nearly impossible to accept our body, especially for young people, like Tilly.
Allen’s on-air comments have been controversial before. In the past, he has drawn the ire Ofcom on multiple occasions for remarks about blind people, travellers, or Portugal.
MailOnline has reached out to LBC to provide comment.
His ‘outdated, archaic comments’ have been criticized by LBC host colleagues.
Strictly’s Tilly Ramsay was seen for the first time on Wednesday (left with dance partner Nikita Kuzmin) since she hit out at LBC’s Steve Allen
After her TV appearance, Tilly was beaming when she emerged from the studios with Nikita Kushmin.
After visiting the Strictly studios, the pair smiled and posed for photos.
As she was returning home from visiting the studio, the television personality drove to a car
Tilly replied to the comments yesterday on Instagram: “I try to not read and listen to negative comments and suggestions however being called out recently on a national radio station in New York by a 67 year-old man is too far.
“Steve, please feel comfortable expressing your opinions but I will not comment on my appearance. It’s so sad that someone is trying make such a positive experience into a negative.
She said, “This isn’t the first or last comment about my appearance. I accept it and am learning to accept it.”
“But please remember that words can be hurtful. I’m only 19 years old, and I’m so thankful for all the incredible opportunities I have had.
“And I understand that being public in the eyes of the public has its own repercussions. This was something I knew from a young age.
‘But, I won’t tolerate people who think it’s okay for them to publicly comment on and scrutinise someone’s weight and appearance. Love Tillyxx
She captioned the post ‘#bekind’.
Brie Read, the founder & CEO of Snag, an size inclusive fashion brand, added: ‘Comments like this are accentuating the already dire body confidence issue we have in society. It’s no wonder hospital admissions for eating disorders are up by a third across all age groups this year – a shocking statistic highlighting that change needs to happen now.
“I wish everyone could embrace their beautiful bodies,” I said. However, this is difficult when people keep making the same comments over and over again. Enough is enough.
Tom Quinn, director for External Affairs at Beat Eating Disorders said that he was disappointed to hear Steve Allen’s comments about Tilly Ramsay.
“While comments about body image or appearance are unlikely to cause an eating disorder, idealizing thinness can be very harmful to those affected and can lead to them becoming more sick.
“Eating disorders” are serious mental illnesses that can affect approximately 1.25 million people in the UK. It is vital that media refrain from making judgmental comments on people’s appearances, in order to protect people with eating disorders.
Love Island star Alex George and comedian Jason Manford, as well as presenter Stacey Dooley, showed their support for Tilly.
Dr George, a 30-year-old doctor, wrote to LBC expressing concern at the comments.
Janette Manrara, a Strictly star, wrote: ‘How quickly we forget what hurtful remarks can do for someone’s mental health. You are a powerful young lady! Wear your crown with your head high.
Giovanni Pernice wrote: “Some people can be very nasty!” Don’t believe this crap. We love You girl! #bekind’.
John Whaite, GBBO star and Strictly contestant, wrote: ‘He is a piece old sandpaper loves, worn and used. He has nothing to offer. His vicious scratching has only made you more polished and fabulous. I love you.
Holly, Holly’s sister, wrote that Holly was’very well said x #bekind’ while Megan, their sister, wrote: “Love you Tills.”
Elizabeth Hurley’s son Damian reached out to Tilly to write: ‘what a total w**ker. It was completely uncalled for. We can’t wait to see you have the last laugh. Keep winning! Sending you love’
Julia Hartley-Brewer, however, defended Allen’s comments. She said that he was entitled to call Strictly Come Dancing star Tilly “chubby little thing” on his show.
On Thursday’s episode, Talk Radio’s 53-year-old presenter claimed that obesity is a problem for doctors.
However, viewers quickly disagreed online. Many took to Twitter to call Julia “totally out-of-order” and ask “Why can’t people just being kind?”
One viewer commented: “Just heard Julia Hartley Brewer on @thismorning stating that freedom of speech allows anyone to comment publicly on the weight of another person. Listen, I am guilty of it, as I’m sure many others have. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s wrong and should not be encouraged.
Tilly, a chef, social media influencer and TV host, has more than 9.5 million TikTok followers. There, she regularly posts funny videos about her father Gordon and herself.
Allen has hosted the early morning breakfast show on LBC since 2000 and it isn’t the first time the presenter has come under fire for making controversial comments.
Back in 2018, he was rapped by Ofcom after he mocked a blind journalist who became the first person in the UK to use a miniature guide horse.
Mohammed Salim Patel of Blackburn, Lancashire was using two-year old American miniature horse Digby as he was afraid of dogs. The horse eventually grew too big.
Allen, in a broadcast aired on October 1, stated that he’d never heard of anything as stupid while discussing a Digby news story.
On air, he also said: “Well, if he is blind, tell him that it’s a rabbit” I’ve never seen anything so stupid.
“This is the blind man afraid of dogs, hoping that a horse can guide him on his commute. For goodness sake, where are you going to take it?
Communications regulator Ofcom ruled in December that the comments were offensive.
Ofcom stated that Allen appeared to be suggesting that people who are blind cannot tell the difference between a rabbit, and a dog in his ruling.
“We considered that this remark could be interpreted as being mean to blind people and implying a highly negative view of them.
‘Further Mr Allen repeatedly questioned in dismissive terms the practicality and use of a guide horse. He dismissed as absurd any individual’s decision to equip himself this way.
Steve (pictured in March), read out a comment by a listener alerting Steve to the fact that Tilly was participating in Celebrity MasterChef Australia
Tilly, 19-year-old, revealed in the post that she was “learning to accept” herself, but was still hurt by the shocking remarks.
He also concluded that the man should be denied this option (‘He’s afraid about dogs. Why? Why is he afraid to handle dogs? Don’t give it to him. Give him a white stick.
“In our opinion, Steve Allen’s mocking of the idea that the BBC had a blind cameraman was an aggravating factor in the potential offense.”
LBC stated in its response to Ofcom, that the program is “centered around (Steve Allen’s) unique approach to the news of the day”.
He replied that he “provides fast-moving opinions about the headlines and rarely dwells upon one topic for any significant time” and that his comment on Mr Patel’s story lasted ‘less than a minute’.
Ofcom issued LBC a warning in 2015 after Allen made comments regarding ‘beating up London Tube workers’.
Allen said, “I think we should go around beating up tube people. The people who bring them all out on strikes.”
Ofcom also received complaints in 2017, after Allen stated that: ‘Why must we start being kind to travellers? Every time I read a story in the newspaper its either thieving, robbing or brawling… what is the matter with them?’
Ofcom also found him guilty of discriminatory comments made about Portuguese people in the same time period.
Allen was ill and took an extended absence from his radio show earlier this year.
From February 17 through March 15, he was not on the show.
“Why can’t people just show kindness?” Viewers slam Julia Hartley-Brewer’s claim that LBC presenter Steve Allen (67) was ‘entitled to call Tilly Ramsay (19), a ‘chubby little girl’ live on air
BY LYDIA SPENER-ELLIOTT MAILONLINE
Julia Hartley-Brewer has defended LBC’s Steve Allen saying that he was ‘entitled’ to call Strictly Come Dancing star Tilly Ramsay a ‘chubby little thing’ on his show.
On Thursday’s episode, Talk Radio’s 53-year-old presenter claimed that obesity is a problem for doctors.
But viewers were quick to disagree online as many took to Twitter to call Julia ‘totally out of order’ and question ‘why can’t people just be kind?’
Doctors are concerned about obesity and weight. Julia said that Tilly’s comments were a personal dig. (Photo: Strictly).
Julia claimed during a video call interview on the show: ‘Steve Allen is entitled to say what they want to say.
Doctors are concerned about obesity and weight in teenage girls. A personal dig is not nice.
Steve said of Tilly earlier this week: ‘I’m bored of her already. She’s a tiny, chubby little thing, isn’t she? Did you notice? I would guess that her dad is the one who cooks.
Tilly then responded to the crude remarks with a long Instagram post, where she said that she was learning to accept’ herself and was still hurt by the shocking remarks.
Fans quickly took to Twitter to rush to the 19-year-old’s defence as they criticised Julia’s controversial opinion.
One fumed: ‘All this woman on This Morning is defending some kn*b on the radio making fun of Tilly Ramsay’s weight. Get Gordon on the radio to ask him about it, but best be sure to get your sh*tting pants on first – kn*bheads. Poor girl is 19 years old!
Another said: “That radio presenter was completely out of order shes only 19, for god sake thats going damaging her mental health…absolutely terrible.” Why can’t people just be kind ffs? I don’t think her weight has anything to with her being on strictly… Tilly’s beautiful.
A third user wrote: “Just heard Julia Hartley Brewer on @thismorning stating that freedom of speech allows anyone to comment publicly on another’s weight. Listen, I am guilty of it in the present, as I’d wager we all have. But that doesn’t mean it’s right. It should be encouraged!
Freedom of speech? Julia said during a live video call interview that Steve Allen was entitled “to say what they want to” despite mounting criticism that his comments were ‘fat-shaming”.
“The poor girl was 19!”‘: Twitter was quickly used by fans to defend Julia’s controversial views.
Backlash: This Morning viewers called Julia “totally out-of-order” as they stood up for Tilly, and pointed out that “that’s going to harm her mental health.”
Another viewer wrote, “The way they are discussing the comments made about Tilly Ramsey and justifying them are shameful. She is 19 years old and the conversation was not about her looks. He mentioned it without any relevance to the conversation. It’s bullying !!!’
“Just because you have the right not to say something doesn’t mean you SHOULD say it,’ said another.
One fan asked: “Why are they supporting Steve Allen?” He had no right to call Tilly chubby.
Another stated, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it.”
“It’s bullying”: Tilly’s followers flooded Twitter timelines, as they took Julia & Steve to task for what they had said
The London Underground writers, who post messages on information boards at stations around the city, also showed support for Tilly.
They wrote a letter to Matilda on a whiteboard at Piccadilly Circus station. It read: “Dear Matilda. Hope you’re doing alright?”
“We thought that we would write you a letter. We are proud of your courage in standing up against disgraceful behavior and disgusting comments by people who should be better.
“You are amazing on Strictly, keep dancing, doing what you love, today we are changing Piccadilly Circus into PiccaTILLY Circus to honor you.”
“Well done for standing for yourself”: Tilly received support from the London Underground information boards
Elsewhere, Love Island’s Dr Alex George wrote an open letter to Steve after he was ‘horrified’ by his comments about Tilly.
Tilly, the Strictly star was quick to express her gratitude to Alex.
Alex wrote that it was well-known that comments about weight can be detrimental and can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health.
He also said that it was important to not underestimate the negative impact such remarks can have on the perpetuating cycle of weight stigma in the UK.
Alex captioned the post: “Email sent. We stand with @tillyramsay. To anyone who has been affected by these comments, please contact @beatedsupport charity.
Support: Elsewhere, Love Island’s Dr Alex George wrote an open letter to Steve after he was ‘horrified’ by his comments about Tilly
Letter: Alex told LBC in his letter that he was ‘horrified’ by the remarks and highlighted: ‘The discussion about a young person’s weight live on air is not acceptable’
Caption: Alex captioned his post: ‘Email sent. We stand with @tillyramsay. Anyone affected by these comments should reach out to @beatedsupport charity.
Tilly replied, “Thank you Alex for all your support and kindness.” You are truly amazing.
On Wednesday, Gordon Ramsay’s daughter posted a lengthy Instagram statement in which she expressed shock at her appearance being criticized by a 67 year-old man on national radio.
The CBBC presenter will be competing on Strictly alongside professional dancer Nikita Kunzmin. He is also appearing on the prerecorded Celebrity MasterChef Australia.
Alongside the statement she shared a soundbite from Steve’s show, in which he read out a comment from a listener alerting him to the fact Tilly was taking part in Celebrity MasterChef Australia
Tilly wrote:Although I try to avoid listening to negative comments and reading them, being called out by a 67 year-old man on a national radio station is too much.
“Steve, please feel comfortable expressing your opinions but I will not comment on my appearance. It’s so sad that someone is trying make such a positive experience into a negative.
Tilly said that this was not the first and certainly will not be the last comment about me appearance. She added: “I accept that and am learning to accept myself.”
“But please remember that words can be hurtful. I am only 19 years old, and I am so grateful for all the incredible opportunities I have had.
“And I understand that being public in the eyes of the public has its own repercussions. This was something I knew from a young age.
“However, I won’t tolerate people who think it’s okay for them to publicly comment on and scrutinise someone’s weight and appearance. Love Tillyxx
She captioned the post ‘#bekind’.
MailOnline has reached out to LBC to provide comment.
Two of a kind: Tilly is partnered with Nikita Kuzmin on this year’s Strictly
Janette Manrara wrote: “How quickly we forget what hurtful remarks can do for someone’s mental health. You are a powerful young lady! Wear your crown with your head high.
Giovanni Pernice wrote: “Some people can be very nasty!” Don’t listen! We love You girl! #bekind’.
John Whaite, GBBO star and Strictly contestant, wrote: ‘He is a piece old sandpaper loves, worn and used. He has nothing to offer. His vicious scratching has only made you more polished and fabulous. I love you.
Holly, Holly’s sister wrote: “Very well said #bekind”, while Megan, their sister, echoed: “Love you Tills”.
Elizabeth Hurley’s son Damian reached out to Tilly to write: ‘what a total w**ker. It was completely uncalled for. We can’t wait to see you have the last laugh. Keep winning! Sending you love’
Support: Strictly stars flooded the post with support for Tilly
Tilly, a chef, social media influencer and TV host, has more than 9.5 million TikTok followers. There, she posts humorous videos of herself and her father Gordon.
She presented Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch to CBBC. This saw her cooking and having adventures with her family. For this, she received three Children’s BAFTA nominations.
In 2017 she published her first cookery book, inspired by the show, titled: Matilda & The Ramsay Bunch: Tilly’s Kitchen Takeover.
Tilly and her Dad hosted a regular cooking segment on This Morning, Big Chef Little Chef.