MasterChef's Melissa Leong slams host's Tilly Ramsay comment: 'Should be ashamed'

MasterChef judge Melissa Leong has thrown her support behind Tilly Ramsay, slamming a British presenter who sparked outrage when he called the 19-year-old daughter of Gordon Ramsay a 'chubby little thing'.

The Celebrity MasterChef contestant, who is also currently competing on Strictly Come Dancing in the UK, took to Instagram on Wednesday to call out UK DJ Steve Allen who had criticised her appearance, saying things had gone a "step too far".

And now Melissa, who met the 19-year-old social media superstar and BAFTA-nominated TV presenter while filming Celebrity MasterChef in Australia, has added her own condemnation of the comments sharing her thoughts on social media.

Posting to her Instagram Stories on Thursday, Melissa re-shared Tilly's online statement, adding her own swipe at the British host.

"This is not cool. Steve, you should be ashamed at your behaviour... you're not exactly a supermodel mate," Melissa wrote, before praising Tilly's response: "Elegantly handled, like the graceful woman you are."

In the lengthy statement on social media, Tilly responded to Steve and encouraged people to be kind to one another.

"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," she began.

"Steve please feel free to 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.

"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. But please remember that words can hurt and at the end of the day I am only 19."

Story continues

She concluded by saying she "won’t tolerate people that think it’s OK to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance".

A number of Tilly’s followers were quick to reply to her social media post, including her fellow Celebrity MasterChef cast members.

“What a sad, backward man,” Chrissie Swan commented. “You know your power, my girl. It’s growing and was never in doubt. Love you to the moon and back."

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.