Tilly Ramsay, daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, has hit back at a radio host who dubbed her "chubby" following her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 19-year-old responded with a statement on Instagram after 67-year-old LBC radio presenter Steve Allen made disparaging comments about her weight on air.
Allen called Ramsay a "chubby little thing" on national radio, adding: "probably her dad's cooking, I would imagine." He also claimed the teenager "can't blimmin' dance" and he was "bored of her already".
In a post on social media using the hashtag #BeKind, Ramsay said she normally didn't read and listen to negative comments, but Allen's remarks were a "step too far", before addressing him directly.
"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," she wrote.
"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."
Ramsay's post prompted a flood of reassuring comments from UK celebrities, who were outraged with the radio host's body-shaming language.
"Oh wow, is he absolutely brain dead!? What an absolute bully. I can’t actually believe what I’ve listened to there! Tilly, you're beautiful inside and out!" Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby replied.
"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.
"Love you," wrote fellow Strictly Come Dancing contestant and Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite.
Ramsay is also appearing on Celebrity Masterchef Australia, and judge Jock Zonfrillo joined the chorus of voices coming to the 19-year-old's defence.
"Oh Steve, how does it feel to be a 67-year old bully??" he wrote.
"I was actually speechless when I heard this. More and more people aren’t owning their words, and have no regard for the lasting impact they can have.
"This guy should be the one taking a good hard look at himself, and good on you for calling him out."
Tilly's father Gordon Ramsay has yet to comment publicly on the controversy.
