'Words can hurt' Strictly star Tilly Ramsay tells radio DJ who called her 'chubby little thing'

Strictly Come Dancing and CBBC star Tilly Ramsay has hit back at a radio DJ who called her a "chubby little thing" live on air.

The 19-year-old said she "won't tolerate" public comments on people's weight and appearance, responding to 67-year-old LBC presenter Steve Allen.

Tilly, who presents CBBC's Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch told her followers in an Instagram post that she tries not to read or listen to comments or negativity.

The teenager went on to say, however, that being called out on a national radio station by a man in his 60s was "a step too far."

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"Words can hurt," she told her one million followers.

"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 it’s own repercussions and I’ve been aware of this from a young age", said the TV personality.

Tilly, who is the daughter of TV chef Gordon Ramsay, added: "It’s such a shame that someone is trying to make such a positive experience negative."

She urged her follows to be kind.

Steve Allen made the comments on his LBC radio show, after a listener said Tilly will take part in Celebrity MasterChef Australia. Support for teenager has poured in from her Strictly co-stars following the comments.

Janette Manrara, who co-hosts Strictly's spin-off show It Takes Two, wrote: "How fast we forget what hurtful comments can do for someone’s mental health".

She called Ms Ramsay a "powerful young lady".

Dianne Buswell, one of the professional dancer on Strictly, said that Tilly is "beautiful inside and out" and that the 19-year-old is "so brave" to speak up.

"We all support you," she added.

LBC has been contacted for comment.