RADIO presenter Steve Allen has bid farewell to LBC Radio after an impressive 44 years – but his time on the airways hasn’t always been smooth running.
The outspoken breakfast show DJ has come under fire numerous times during his career for overstepping the mark.
Radio presenter Steve Allen has angered listeners more than once during his career
Tilly Ramsay hit back at the LBC host in 2021 for calling her ‘chubby’
Steve, 68, once told listeners to PUNCH tube workers, mocked blind people and racially abused travellers.
More recently, Tilly Ramsay – daughter of chef Gordon Ramsay – blasted Steve after he took aim at her weight.
Here, as Steve confirms his departure from LBC, we take a look at his most controversial moments.
‘VIOLENT’ TUBE REMARK
Back in 2015, LBC was investigated by Ofcom after one of its presenters apparently urged listeners to physically assault striking London Underground staff.
Steve allegedly told his early morning audience that they should “beat up” tube workers taking industrial action.
The comments were considered irresponsible by listeners, who complained that it was “likely to encourage violent and criminal behaviour”.
At the time, an Ofcom spokesperson said: “Ofcom is investigating whether a statement made on this early morning programme was likely to encourage or incite crime.”
He once claimed his show is “immune to death, disease, or natural disaster”.
MOCKING THE BLIND
Steve found himself in hot water again when he made remarks about blind people in 2018.
His controversial comments on LBC were found in breach of the Ofcom broadcasting code.
A listener complained that Steve made discriminatory comments during this programme.
Steve commented on an article in The Times newspaper which reported on a blind man who is scared of dogs and intends to use a guide horse instead.
Steve said: “Well if he’s blind, tell him it’s a rabbit or something. I’ve never heard of anything so stupid.”
He also said: “Not every blind person gets a dog. To give him a horse is quite ludicrous. He’s afraid of dogs. Why? Why’s he afraid of dogs? Well don’t give him – don’t give him anything at all then.”
The radio host also made reference to the BBC hiring blind cameraman.
He said: “I remember once the BBC took on a blind cameraman. Well I was sort of thinking to myself how does that work out?
“He’s a blind – somebody’s going to have to say to him ‘little bit to the right, little bit to the left, little bit, oh, up, oh no missed it completely’.
“It just doesn’t work. I can understand people going ‘oh I want to be treated the same’, but I mean, you know, a joke’s a joke I think.”
LBC bosses said that they were “aware that his comments may have had the capacity to offend”.
Ofcom ruled in favour of the listener, saying that Steve seemed to be implying that people who are blind cannot differentiate between a rabbit and a dog.
Plus his comments could be considered as belittling blind people.
OFFENDING THE TRAVELLING COMMUNITY
That same year, Steve was found in breach of the Ofcom broadcasting code for comments about the travelling community.
Months earlier, in December 2017, Steve upset listeners by appearing to stereotype travellers in a negative light.
He said: “‘Brawling travellers shut down a holiday village’. Why do we have to start being nice to travellers?
“Every time I read a story in the newspaper its either thieving, robbing or brawling.
“And this one was terrible, all the businesses had to close and everything else.
“We had them moving into a hospital car park a short while ago, it was all very odd. What is the matter with them? What is the matter with them?”
Ofcom said the remarks could be interpreted as offering a highly pejorative and generalised view of the traveller community.
As a result it could cause offence to listeners, they explained: “The likely level of offence in this case would have been increased by Mr Allen’s repeated and emphatic use of the rhetorical question “what is the matter with them?”.
“In our view, this would have served to reinforce Steve Allen’s attribution of a clearly negative stereotype of certain forms of anti-social and criminal behaviour (i.e. “thieving, robbing or brawling”) to all members of the travelling community.”
TILLY RAMSAY’S ‘CHUBBY’ REMARK
Steve found himself in the headlines in 2021 after branding Tilly Ramsay a “chubby little thing”.
Gordon Ramsay’s youngest daughter was 19 at the time and competing on Strictly Come Dancing.
Steve said it was “probably her dad’s cooking”, while presenting his early breakfast show.
In a post on Instagram, Tilly said she would “draw the line” at anyone making fun of her appearance and added that she “won’t tolerate” nasty remarks.
Radio host Allen had said: “She can’t blooming well dance. I’m bored of her already.
“She’s a chubby little thing, isn’t she, have you noticed? Probably her dad’s cooking, I should imagine.”
Tilly hit back, writing: “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.
“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.
“But please remember that words can hurt and at the end of the day I am only 19.
“I understand that being in the public eye obviously comes with its own repercussions and I’ve been aware of this from a young age.
“However I won’t tolerate people that think it’s okay to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone’s weight and appearance.”
Tilly received an outpouring of support on social media and from her Strictly co-stars after posting her statement.
Fellow Strictly star Oti Mabuse, 31, wrote: “What on earth? Love you @tillyramsay some people just have no regard for others.”
Oti’s dance partner, former rugby star Ugo Monye, 38, added: “Love ya Tilly.”
Pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, 31, wrote: “Some people are very nasty! Don’t listen to this c**p.”
Fellow Strictly competitor, former Bake Off winner John Whaite, 32, said: “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.”
Pro Dianne Buswell, 32, said: “Tilly you are a beauty inside and out. I think you are so brave to speak up about this, perfectly said.” Dancer Janette Manrara, 37, added: “How fast we forget what hurtful comments can do for someone’s mental health. You are a powerful young lady! Wear your crown with your head held high.”
Dad Gordon did not comment but other members of the Ramsay clan added their voices in support. Sister Holly, 21, wrote, “Very well said x #bekind”, while older sister Megan, 23, said, “Love you Tills”.
However, despite the outcry, Ofcom later confirmed it would not be investigating the incident.
But the regulator did say in a statement: “We 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.”
Steve has been LBC’s longest-serving presenter, having joined the broadcaster four decades ago.
He is best known for hosting LBC’s morning show from 4am to 7am every weekday.
He also had to apologise in 2008 after he read out unsubstantiated claims about the family of the late comedian Norman Wisdom.
Steve confirmed on Friday that he is “stepping down from LBC”. The star confirmed his contract is up shortly and the decision to leave came “following discussion”.
Steve has been under fire several times for his remarks
Tilly said that ‘words can hurt’ in response to Steve’s comments
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