Dr Alex George ‘horrified’ at LBC star Steve Allen body-shaming Tilly Ramsay

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Dr Alex George
Dave Benett

Dr Alex George has said he is “horrified” by remarks made by LBC host Steve Allen who called Strictly Come Dancing star Tilly Ramsay a “chubby little thing.”

The former Love Island star has written an open letter to LBC Radio after 67-year-old Allen body-shamed the teenager who is starring in Strictly with partner Nikita Kuzmin.

Dr Alex, 30, said in his letter a “discussion about a young person’s weight live on air is not acceptable”.

“I am absolutely horrified by these remarks,” he wrote in a letter which he later shared on Instagram. “It is widely recognised just how damaging such comments about someone’s weight are and the effect they can have on an individual’s mental health. We must not only think of the effect on Tilly here, which I can imagine could be significant, but also the potential impact to listeners of the show.

“I am sure LBC, and [umbrella company] Global as a whole, do not condone such comments. We are currently seeing a rise in the prevalence of eating disorders, with up to 3.4million people in the UK currently being affected. We must not underestimate the impact such remarks can have, feeding into the perpetual cycle of weight stigma that stills exists here in the UK.”

Dr Alex concluded: “The reiterate, the discussion highlighted above about a young person’s weight live on air is not acceptable.”

Ms Ramsay, the daughter of television cook Gordon Ramsay, was quick to thank Dr Alex for his support. She wrote: “Thank you Alex for your support and kindness.”

Allen made the series of cruel remarks about Ms Ramsay after a listener informed him the rising star is taking part in Celebrity MasterChef Australia.

At the time, Mr Allen said: “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.”

Strictly Come Dancing 2021
Tilly and dance partner Nikita Kuzmin
PA

Speaking out, Ms Ramsay, 19, stood up for herself when she said she wouldn’t tolerate people publicly commenting on her weight.

In a lengthy Instagram statement, 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 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.

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

Strictly Come Dancing 2021
Tilly Ramsay
PA

She added the caption: “#bekind.”

Support from her Strictly co-stars has been unwavering on social media.

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.”

Professional dancer Dianne Buswell wrote: “Tilly your a beauty inside and out. I think your so brave to speak up about this, perfectly said I hope people learn from this.

“Just know that we all support you and think your wonderful xxxx.”

The Standard has approached LBC for further comment.

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