Alleged Mistress Condemns Gordon Ramsay's Netflix Series as 'Misleading'
Sarah Symonds, the woman who asserts she had a seven-year affair with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, has publicly denounced his new Netflix documentary series, labelling it "fake" and "disingenuous." The 56-year-old author, whom Ramsay denies ever being involved with, claims the show triggered post-traumatic stress disorder from their alleged relationship, which she says ended with his denial.
Netflix Show Sparks Outrage Over Portrayal
Being Gordon Ramsay, a six-part series launched on 18 February, offers viewers a glimpse into the more vulnerable side of the famously fiery TV chef. In the documentary, Ramsay, 59, is seen crying as he discusses his working-class background and regrets about missing his children's early years due to work commitments. However, Symonds dismisses these emotional moments, arguing they do not reflect his true character.
In a rant to the Daily Mail, Symonds stated, "The title of the docu-series 'Being Gordon Ramsay' is totally fake - just like him. It's misleading and disingenuous. A travesty in fact, as nothing about it was 'Being Gordon' at all." She described the show as a "glossed over" version of Ramsay, whom she calls a "bully, cheat, liar and serial philanderer."
Claims of a Seven-Year Affair and Ongoing Trauma
Symonds, a Welsh native once dubbed a "professional mistress" for affairs with other married men, including politician Jeffrey Archer, alleges she met Ramsay in 2001 and their relationship lasted seven years. She published the book Having an Affair? in 2007, detailing her experiences. According to Symonds, Ramsay acted as though he was single during their time together, being "always available" and not rushing home from late nights out in London.
She expressed that the Netflix description of the series as "unflinchingly honest" makes her want to scream, adding she is "trying to heal" from the trauma of the affair. Ramsay has consistently denied any involvement with Symonds, and his representatives have been contacted for comment regarding her latest allegations.
Connection to Family Feud and Support for Adam Peaty's Mother
Symonds has also inserted herself into a family dispute involving Ramsay's son-in-law, Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty. After Peaty cut ties with his family and uninvited them from his wedding to Ramsay's daughter Holly, Symonds reached out to Peaty's mother, Caroline, on Facebook. The two have since formed a friendship, bonding over their shared dislike of Gordon Ramsay.
Symonds revealed, "Caroline and I are close. One could say we are kindred spirits. Because if anyone knows what she is going through it is me. I wanted her to know I thought the way Gordon and his family were treating her was terrible." She added that by talking to Caroline, she is reopening old scars but aims to help others in similar situations.
The alleged affair reportedly began in 2001, when Ramsay's daughter Holly was just one year old. Symonds' vocal criticism of the Netflix show and her involvement in the Peaty family feud highlight her ongoing efforts to challenge Ramsay's public image and share her side of the story.
