Entertainment
Alison Hammond ‘disgusted’ by Tilly Ramsay bodyshaming as she defends Strictly Come Dancing star
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Alison Hammond has jumped to the defence of Tilly Ramsay after the Strictly Come Dancing star was bodyshamed on the radio, describing her treatment as ‘disgusting’.
This week, Tilly, 19, called out LBC radio presenter Steve Allen after he called her ‘chubby little thing’ during his early morning show.
In a statement published on Instagram, Tilly said that Steve’s remarks were a ‘step too far’, writing: ‘I won’t tolerate people that think it’s okay to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance.’
Tilly has been inundated with messages of support from people including Strictly stars John Whaite and Janette Manrara and comedian Jason Manford.
On Thursday’s edition of This Morning, Alison discussed the issue with her co-host Dermot O’Leary and guests Matthew Wright and Julia Hartley-Brewer, saying that ‘it’s absolutely awful’.
The TV presenter said that as soon as she heard Steve’s comments – who she had never heard on the radio before – ‘it actually disgusted me’.
Alison said she was ‘disgusted’ by Steve’s remarks over Tilly (Picture: ITV)
Tilly said she ‘won’t tolerate’ scrutiny of weight and appearances (Picture: Rex/BBC)
She also expressed her hope that Steve hasn’t targeted her in the past without her knowledge.
Matthew shared his belief that while free speech should exist ‘within certain boundaries’, he believes that there also has to be ‘mutual respect’ involved.
Julia, who used to work with Steve, said that in her view, the radio host is ‘entitled to say’ what he’d like, while others are entitled to say that they don’t want to listen, as she doesn’t want people to be ‘censored’.
However, Matthew emphasised that mental health has to also be taken into account, a point that Alison expanded on.
‘We are living in different times,’ she said. ‘Yes he’s made that comment, but that comment’s gone to millions of people, this is a 19-year-old girl at the end of the day and that will have a massive impact on her.’
Several This Morning viewers agreed with Alison, with one saying that Steve was ‘out of order’.
More: Strictly Come Dancing
‘She’s only 19 for god sake that’s going to damage her mental health… absolutely terrible! Why can’t people just be kind ffs I don’t see what her weight has anything to do with her being on Strictly… Tilly is beautiful!’ they said.
‘Absolutely disgusting comments made about Tilly Ramsey. Why do men constantly think it’s ok for them to voice their opinions about women’s bodies??’ someone else remarked.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
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