The wedding of Olympic champion Adam Peaty to Holly Ramsay, daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, should have been a joyous celebration. However, the ceremony on Saturday was overshadowed by a significant family rift that saw most of the groom's relatives excluded from the festivities.
A Wedding Overshadowed by Controversy
Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay, who began dating in 2023 and announced their engagement in September 2024, finally tied the knot in a ceremony at Bath Abbey. Despite the picturesque setting, tensions that had been building for over a year reached a peak on the wedding day. Reports indicate that Peaty's side of the family was conspicuously absent, with only his sister present in the wedding party.
The friction reportedly began when Peaty's mother, Caroline, was not invited to Holly's hen do in November 2024, leading to a public argument. This was preceded by Peaty's wider family being left out of an engagement party earlier that year. The situation deteriorated further, culminating in a conditional invitation for Peaty's father, who was allegedly asked to sit at the back of the church. Ultimately, neither of Peaty's parents attended their son's marriage.
Paparazzi Scuffle and Public Fallout
The drama extended beyond family disputes. Upon arrival at Bath Abbey, the bride and her famous father, Gordon Ramsay, were swarmed by photographers. A scuffle between security and paparazzi ensued, with both Gordon and Holly reportedly being jostled in the chaos.
The family feud played out publicly on social media. Peaty's aunt posted a pointed message after the hen do snub, calling Holly's actions "divisive and hurtful". Peaty's mother, Caroline, shared a poignant post about a "broken heart", visibly distancing herself from her son and the Ramsays. In a separate incident, Peaty's brother, James, was arrested at his Staffordshire home over allegations of sending threatening messages to the Olympian.
Gordon Ramsay's Wholehearted Endorsement
Amidst the familial strife, Gordon Ramsay has shown unwavering support for his new son-in-law. Earlier this year, at a London triathlon in August where Peaty was on his team, the chef warmly embraced the swimmer at the finish line.
Gordon publicly praised Peaty, revealing the touching moment the athlete asked for his and his wife Tana's blessing. "He's a very nice guy," Ramsay said. "He's so down to earth and so focused and disciplined... As a future son-in-law, we couldn't ask for anyone better." This endorsement highlights the strong bond between Peaty and his new father-in-law, which stands in stark contrast to the swimmer's strained relationships with his own family.
Despite the controversy, Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay are now married, with the swimmer even taking his wife's surname. However, the shadow of the pre-wedding feud is likely to linger as they begin their married life together.
