Megan Barton Hanson has slammed Jason Gardiner for labelling Gemma Collins a 'fridge' in a 'fat-shaming row'.
The 25-year-old reality star took to Instagram to voice her support, after Gemma shared a post claiming she was being bullied by the Dancing On Ice judge.
Megan also revealed that although she had planned to attend the final to support her ex-boyfriend Wes Nelson, she had now had a change of heart.
On her side: Megan Barton Hanson has slammed Jason Gardiner for labelling Gemma Collins a 'fridge' in a 'fat-shaming row'
Megan posted: 'Gem his so vile! His desperate for headlines and using you in the process. Terrible his allowed to be part of that show. Your a beautiful soul inside and out. [sic]'
Supporting Gemma's decision not to return to the show, Megan added: 'Forget going back to that show they are stooping so low to get ratings now you have left was going to support Wes in the final but can't be bothered with there sly digs [sic]'.
Megan's remarks were in response to a post by Gemma, where she flagged the fact that Jason had called her a 'refrigerator'.
Feuding: Megan's remarks were in response to a post by Gemma, where she flagged the fact that Jason had called her a 'refrigerator'
Support: Megan made her feelings on the matter clear as she supported Gemma by making a public comment on the TOWIE star's Instagram page
The judge has since publicly apologised to Gemma, and appearing on Heart Breakfast with Jamie and Lucy on Wednesday, he back-tracked on his comments, insisting the term 'The GC' - which is Gemma's self-given nickname - reminds him of 'a white goods appliance', hence the fridge comparison.
'So you're in no way suggesting a correlation between a refrigerator and Gemma's size?' asked presenter Lucy Horobin. 'Because that's how it's being taken.'
'Oh God, no!' protested Jason. 'It was really to do with the GC part of it, because she has this alter ego – you know, self-proclaimed GC and it's really interesting. And every time I hear it, it makes me think of a white goods appliance.
'I was trying to make light of it really and just have some levity with it and because what I don't like to do is constantly make this anything that it isn't.
'If people are taking it that way, look I'm really sorry – it was just a way of just diffusing any tension and making light of the situation and the GC part of her persona.'
Jamie Theakston then asked: 'Will you make up when you see her at the weekend [at the Dancing On Ice final] if she's there?'
In response: Jason has since publicly apologised to Collins after referring to her as 'a refrigerator' on Tuesday
Back-track: Appearing on Heart Breakfast with Jamie and Lucy on Wednesday, the Dancing On Ice judge went back on his comments, insisting the term 'The GC' - which is Gemma's self-given nickname - reminds him of 'a white goods appliance', hence the fridge comparison
Catty: This explanation comes after Jason took to social media to attempt to explain his remark, after Gemma accused him of 'fat-shaming' her
To which Jason replied: 'Sure. If she needs a hug, I'll give her a hug.'
This explanation comes after Jason took to social media to attempt to explain his typically-catty remark, after Gemma accused him of 'fat-shaming' her and vowed to drop out of Sunday's live final - at which she is set to take to the ask once more with her fellow eliminated contestants.
'I was not calling Gemma a refrigerator it was meant as a light hearted joke when Phillip said the 'GC' which sounds like a white goods brand. What has happened to having a SoH?' he posted, on Twitter.
Jason had been mid-interview on This Morning when he made the original comment.
Get over it! Judge Jason made the remark, despite insisting he is 'over' their feud and that he 'doesn't hold a grudge', while on This Morning this week
Hitting back: 'This is NOT ACCEPTABLE on any level comparing any human to an electrical appliance is not acceptable #STANDUPTOBULLIES,' Gemma raged
Something to say: Gemma's professional skating partner, Matt Evers hit back at Jason shortly after the interview on Twitter
Despite insisting he was 'over' their feud and that he 'doesn't hold a grudge', he replied 'who?' when hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip
