Tana Ramsay Recalls Finding Husband Gordon 'Arrogant' and 'Irritating' Initially
In the forthcoming Netflix reality series Being Gordon Ramsay, Tana Ramsay candidly reveals her first impressions of the world-renowned chef were far from favourable. The 51-year-old wife of Gordon Ramsay admits she initially perceived her now-husband of nearly three decades as "really arrogant" and "really full of himself," confessing he "used to really irritate" her during their early encounters.
From Council Estate to Culinary Empire: Gordon's Humble Beginnings
The six-episode documentary series delves deep into Gordon Ramsay's remarkable journey from poverty to building a £180 million culinary empire. The 59-year-old chef opens up about his challenging childhood growing up on a council estate in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he recalls wearing secondhand trousers with black patches covering holes underneath. "There is always that little needle of fear that you'll lose it," Gordon reflects, explaining how this fear drives his perfectionism and demanding work ethic.
Gordon attributes much of his success to his mentor, renowned chef Marco Pierre White, and discusses how his difficult relationship with his alcoholic father shaped his determination to escape poverty. "My father called me a snob once," Gordon recalls. "I said no, 'I'm definitely not a snob, I just want to get out of the s**t mess I was born in.'"
A Complicated Courtship and Lasting Marriage
The series reveals intriguing details about how Gordon and Tana first met, with Gordon admitting he was initially attracted to Tana while she was dating one of his friends. "Tana was driving the car and I was sat in the back seat looking at my mate going, 'Oh my God your girlfriend is f*****g gorgeous,'" Gordon recounts. "She looked like a young Julia Roberts and she brought this level of excitement like no other."
Tana confirms Gordon's suspicions about her initial disinterest, though she admits their relationship transformed after about a month when both became single. "We ended up chatting one night and chatted all night," Tana remembers. "I must have fancied him. The amazing ambition was there, absolute dedication, he's always been someone who dreams big, but he's just Gordon to me."
Family Dynamics and Parenting Philosophy
Gordon and Tana, who married in 1996, now have six children ranging in age from 27 to two years old. The couple discusses how their parenting approach has evolved, with Gordon acknowledging he wasn't as present for his older children as he is for their two youngest sons, Oscar and Jesse James.
"I think I've got fitter with two new young boys," Gordon admits. "I've also got more of a mindset to be a better dad. I wasn't a s**t dad the first time round, I just wasn't there that much."
Tana opens up about the challenges of managing four young children essentially alone while Gordon worked long hours in restaurant kitchens. Viewers will see Gordon teasing Tana about the night she served him tinned macaroni cheese when exhaustion overwhelmed her. "We had four kids of three and under and we didn't have any help," Tana explains, describing how she felt pressure to maintain order for Gordon's return home each evening.
Holly's Wedding and Family Expansion
A significant portion of the series focuses on daughter Holly's engagement and wedding to Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty. Gordon humorously recalls when Adam asked for Holly's hand in marriage: "I thought, 'F**k, he wants to borrow a car.'"
The wedding, which took place on December 27th after some family tensions, receives considerable attention in the documentary. Gordon expresses his approval of his new son-in-law, describing Adam as "a gent" and "an absolute thoroughbred," while addressing the public fallout with Adam's parents who didn't attend the ceremony.
Tana discusses welcoming Adam into their family along with his young son George, whom Holly has embraced wholeheartedly. "It's happened very naturally welcoming Adam into our family," Tana says, "and he comes with this incredible bonus which is this little boy George."
Celebrity Friendships and Future Plans
The series touches on Gordon's friendship with David and Victoria Beckham, with Gordon sharing a text message exchange about the costs of raising daughters versus sons. Despite Tana lamenting Gordon's lack of real friends in the documentary, this celebrity connection provides a glimpse into his social circle.
As Gordon approaches his 60th birthday in November and the couple's 30th wedding anniversary in December, Tana confesses she hopes her husband might consider cutting back on work. Instead, Gordon is using the Netflix platform to promote his five new restaurants at London's 22 Bishopsgate skyscraper, prompting Tana to smile and admit, "He drives me mental."
Being Gordon Ramsay launches on Netflix on Wednesday 18th February, offering viewers unprecedented access to the Ramsay family's personal and professional lives, from kitchen pressures to family celebrations and everything in between.
