'Provocative' presenter Steve Allen cleared by Ofcom after calling Strictly Come Dancing’s Tilly Ramsay a ‘chubby little thing’

A radio presenter has been cleared by Ofcom of breaching broadcasting standards after calling Gordon Ramsay’s daughter a “chubby little thing”.

LBC’s Steve Allen was investigated by the media regulator after they received 860 complaints over comments the host made about Strictly Come Dancing contestant Tilly Ramsay’s weight, which some felt had breached “generally accepted standards”.

The 20-year-old responded, criticising Allen in a statement posted to Instagram which said she “won’t tolerate people that think it’s okay to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance”.

“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.”

Gordon Ramsay said he was “very proud” with how his daughter had dealt with the controversy, though many were quick to respond to her comments saying her celebrity chef father had fat shamed people throughout his career.

Ofcom said it would not launch a formal investigation as the remarks were brief and regular listeners to Allen’s show expected him to be “provocative”, but acknowledged his comments could have had a negative impact on Tilly’s mental health and “have provided guidance to LBC to take greater care in future.

“Given societal concerns about body image pressures on young people, the presenter's criticism of a young woman's appearance could have led to an adverse effect on wellbeing and mental health.

“But given the brevity of the comments and the likely audience's expectations of this provocative presenter and programme, we will not be pursuing further.”