Chef Gordon Ramsay’s daughter, Tilly Ramsay, slams a British radio host for mocking her weight saying she’s eaten too much of her chef’s “dad’s cooking”.
Matilda Elizabeth Ramsay, 19, is an English television presenter, chef, and social media influencer best known for presenting the BBC cooking show Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch on CBBC alongside her family.
Tilly is currently competing on Australia’s Celebrity MasterChef and the BBC One reality competition “Strictly Come Dancing” alongside professional dancer Nikita Kuzmin.
On Tuesday, she took to Instagram to share a sound bite from Steve Allen’s recent LBC Radio program in which he fielded a viewer question about her being on “Celebrity Master Chef Australia.”
Steve, 67, who hosts the early morning show on London radio station LBC, commented on Tilly’s appearance in response to a listener’s comment about her competing in the dance show.
Steve says: “I’m bored with her already. She’s a chubby little thing, isn’t she? Have you noticed? Probably her dad’s cooking, I’d imagine.”
While Tilly acknowledged that public scrutiny was part and parcel of being a celebrity kid and in the public eye, she wrote on Instagram that Allen’s comments went too far.
She shared a lengthy note castigating Steve for commenting negatively on a teenager’s appearance.
In the caption, the teenage girl 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 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.”
“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.”
She continued: “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.”
“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 that think it’s okay to publicly comment and scrutinize anyone’s weight and appearance. Love Tilly xx.”
The teen’s Instagram was flooded with messages of love and support in response, her fellow MasterChef contestants Ian Thorpe, judges Melissa Leong, and Jock Zonfrillo shared their support.
Ian Thorpe, the swimming legend says: “When Tilly came (to Celebrity MasterChef) we all just wanted to give her a hug – a 19-year-old girl on the other side of the world.”
Jock wrote that the radio host’s comments left him “actually speechless”, adding that he “should be taking a good hard look at himself, and good on you Tilly for calling him out”.
While Melissa Leong said, “This is not cool Steve. You should be ashamed of your behavior … you’re not exactly a supermodel, mate. Elegantly handled like the graceful woman you are. #TeamTilly”
Star Rebecca Gibney also voiced her support, writing that Steve “needs a good kick up the bum” and that “for that one dimwitted twat – there are millions who adore you”.