Entertainment
Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Tilly Ramsay flooded with support from stars including John Whaite and Giovanni Pernice over ‘nasty’ bodyshaming
Tilly has received numerous messages of support (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)
Strictly Come Dancing stars have rushed to support Tilly Ramsay over ‘nasty’ bodyshaming remarks directed at her by LBC radio presenter Steve Allen, after she said she ‘won’t tolerate’ people who scrutinise weight and appearance.
In a post shared on Instagram, Tilly, 19, said that while she usually tries not to ‘read and listen to comments and negativity’, being ‘called out on a national radio station by a 67-year-old man is a step too far’.
In a clip shared by the social media personality and TV presenter, Steve could be heard saying he was ‘bored’ of her on Strictly, describing her as a ‘chubby little thing’.
Strictly stars including Janette Manrara, John Whaite, Giovanni Pernice and Nikita Kuzmin have flooded Tilly with messages of support in response to her powerful statement.
It Takes Two presenter Janette wrote: ‘#BeKind…. 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.’
‘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,’ former Great British Bake Off winner John added.
Professional dancer Giovanni implored Tilly not to listen to the negativity, commenting: ‘Some people are very nasty !! Don’t listen to this crap .. we love You girl ! #bekind.’
Tilly’s partner Nikita commented with a heart emoji, alongside the hashtag ‘#bekind’.
Nikita commented under Tilly’s post with the hashtag ‘#bekind’ (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA)
Ugo Monye, who missed last week’s Strictly show due to injury, showed her support by writing: ‘Love ya Tilly,’ while Rose Ayling-Ellis commented: ‘You’re beautiful Tilly!’ with a string of heart emojis.
Saffron Barker, who competed on Strictly in 2019, expressed her concern over Tilly, saying: ‘Really hope you’re okay, all my love.’
She also said: ‘Wow people are just vile!! People think when you’re in the public eye, they can say what they want and it won’t hurt you?!’
Giovanni and Rose both shared supportive messages for Tilly on Instagram (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
In her statement, Tilly said that Steve has every right to share his opinions, but she draws the line ‘at commenting on my appearance’.
‘It’s such a shame that someone is trying to make such a positive experience negative,’ she said.
‘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.’
More: Strictly Come Dancing
Tilly urged people to ‘remember that words can hurt’, in addition to the fact that she’s only 19 years old.
She said that while she understands the ‘repercussions’ of being in the public eye, she ‘won’t tolerate people that think it’s okay to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance’.
Metro.co.uk has contacted LBC for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing returns this Saturday at 7.05pm on BBC One.
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