Amanda Holden Speaks Out in Support of Gordon Ramsay's Cornwall Expansion
Television personality Amanda Holden has come to the defence of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay following reports of his latest multi-million pound property acquisition in Cornwall. The Mail Online indicates that Ramsay, alongside his wife Tana, has purchased a historic 19th-century four-bedroom residence for an estimated £9.65 million.
Controversial History and Neighbourhood Tensions
This new property is situated just metres away from their existing beachfront home in Rock, Cornwall, which they acquired for £4.4 million in 2015 and subsequently undertook a complete reconstruction. During that extensive building phase, Ramsay reportedly faced opposition from over twenty neighbours who formally lodged complaints regarding his development plans.
The chef attracted further criticism when he visited the location during the Covid-19 lockdown period, breaching travel restrictions. According to sources, this latest purchase is already anticipated to spark fresh controversy, with significant redevelopment expected across his combined two-acre land holdings.
Previous Remarks About Cornish Residents
This development follows Ramsay's previous admission, made during an interview with Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2, where he stated: "Trust me, I absolutely love Cornwall, it's just the Cornish I can't stand." This comment appeared to reference the backlash he received from local residents during his earlier construction projects.
More recently, while promoting his new Netflix documentary last month on Scott Mills' radio show, Ramsay praised the region but humorously noted the high costs of maintenance, remarking: "My gardeners in Cornwall, oh my goodness me, man, they're expensive."
Amanda Holden's Defence on Heart Radio
Discussing the situation on the Heart Radio Breakfast Show, showbiz correspondent Ashley Roberts informed listeners: "He loves the swimming here, he loves the gorgeous coastline, but apparently he doesn't love the Cornish people."
Putting on a Cornish accent, presenter Amanda Holden responded light-heartedly: "What? Are you having a laugh?!" She then added more seriously: "I imagine he does like them but they don't like him because he's doing some building work."
When co-presenter Jamie Theakston questioned why Ramsay would purchase another property in the area if he genuinely disliked the residents, Holden offered a robust defence.
"Because he loves it so much, also he's investing in the area," she explained. "He's surfing and cold water swimming. I don't believe he said that [about the locals]. I'm saying that because I'm watching the documentary and I understand him and his gorgeous family."
Long-Term Commitment and Investment
Gordon Ramsay has emphasised his long-term commitment to Cornwall, revealing in his recent interview that he has signed a 15–20 year lease for his London restaurant venture, with hopes that customers will return "if I stop giving away free lunches and dinners."
The 59-year-old chef continues to express admiration for Cornwall's natural beauty, particularly highlighting the surfing and swimming opportunities, even as his property investments and development plans generate ongoing discussion within the local community.
