Gordon Ramsay Confronts His Past and Parenting Regrets in New Netflix Documentary
In a deeply personal revelation, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay delves into the profound impact of his "torrid" relationship with his father on his own journey through fatherhood. The candid exploration unfolds in the first episode of his new Netflix docu-series, Being Gordon Ramsay, where the 59-year-old father-of-six opens up about his troubled childhood marked by his father's alcoholism.
A Childhood Shaped by Struggle and Alcohol
Ramsay recounts a difficult upbringing, living in 15 different council estates as his mother worked three jobs to support the family. He describes weekends spent watching his father "almost ruin his life through alcohol," highlighting the emotional toll of living with an alcoholic parent. "It's hard, isn't it, when someone's an alcoholic?" Ramsay reflects. "You're nervous, worried about hitting the end of the bottle and seeing that bottle of Bacardi disappear, because you know what happens at the end of that."
His father once called him a snob, to which Ramsay responded, "No, definitely not a snob. I just want to get out of the s**t mess I was born in." This drive propelled him from a football career cut short by a knee injury to working under Marco Pierre White at Harveys, eventually opening his own restaurant in Chelsea in 1998. By 2001, it earned three Michelin stars, making Ramsay the first Scot to achieve this feat.
Parenting Regrets and a Vow to Change
As his culinary success soared, Ramsay admits he often prioritized work over family, leading to regrets about not being more present for his four eldest children: daughter Megan, 27, twins Holly and Jack, 26, and Tilly, 24. "I absolutely adore the kids," he says. "There's part of that love and affection that has built up through guilt. The older ones have made it clear and say, 'Can we see you more?' and, 'Dad, we miss you.' I feel I could have been there a bit more."
However, Ramsay is determined to rewrite this narrative for his two youngest children, Oscar, six, and Jesse, two. He vows to make more time, stating, "I'll make more time because I don't want them to say, 'You weren't there for my first day at school.' Everyone thinks travelling is glamorous. But it's super full-on. Being away from home is tough. I want that time to go as quickly as possible. It's the little ones I miss. It's hard. I miss them terribly."
A Glimpse into Personal and Professional Life
The six-part docuseries will not only explore Ramsay's personal reflections but also follow his ambitious professional venture: opening five culinary experiences in 22 Bishopsgate, a 278-metre building in central London, with a budget of £20 million. It promises a sneak peek into his life with wife Tana and their six children, offering viewers an intimate look at the man behind the Michelin stars.
Being Gordon Ramsay launches on Netflix on 18 February 2026, providing a raw and unfiltered portrait of resilience, regret, and redemption. For issues relating to alcohol, contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 0800 9177 650.
