MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong slams British radio host for fat shaming Tilly Ramsay

A MasterChef Australia judge has lashed out at a British commentator for fat-shaming Tilly Ramsay on his radio show this week.

Tilly, 19, who is the daughter of chef Gordon Ramsay, became the subject of criticism for UK radio announcer Steve Allen, 67, on Wednesday, after he made derogatory comments about her weight.

Allen had referred to Tilly  as a ‘chubby little thing’ – a statement that sparked backlash among fans and celebrities alike.

Hours later, Tilly wrote on Instagram that she was ‘hurt’ by the shocking remarks.

Among those to publicly slam Allen was MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong, who met Tilly when she competed on the Celebrity spin-off of MasterChef Australia earlier this year.

Posting to her Instagram Stories on Thursday, Melissa, 39, re-shared Tilly’s online statement, while adding her own strongly-worded message.

‘This is not cool. Steve, you should be ashamed at your behaviour… you’re not exactly a supermodel mate,’ Melissa wrote.

She then praised Tilly’s classy response to the drama, writing: ‘Elegantly handled, like the graceful woman you are. #TeamTilly’.

Controversy broke on Wednesday morning when Allen read a comment form a listener on-air, alerting him to the fact that Tilly was taking part in Celebrity MasterChef Australia as well as UK reality show Strictly Come Dancing.

Steve – who is on air between 4am and 7am – then remarked: ‘Is she? Well, she can’t blimming 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.’

In response to the remarks, Tilly penned on Instagram: ‘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.’

Tilly continued: ‘This isn’t the first and definitely wont’ 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. Love Tilly xx’

She captioned the post  ‘#bekind’.

Strictly stars flooded the post with support for Tilly with Janette Manrara writing: ‘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’.

Giovanni Pernice penned: ‘Some people are very nasty !! Don’t listen to this crap .. we love You girl ! #bekind’.

Great British Bake Off star and Strictly contestant John Whaite penned: ‘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.’

Her sister Holly meanwhile wrote: ‘Very well said x #bekind’, while their sister Megan echoed: ‘Love you Tills’.

Elizabeth Hurley’s son Damian reached out to Tilly to write: ‘what a total w**ker. bloody uncalled for. can’t wait for you to have the last laugh and keep winning. sending you love’.