Alleged Former Mistress Slams Gordon Ramsay's Netflix Documentary as 'Fake'
The alleged former mistress of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has launched a scathing attack on his recently released Netflix documentary, branding the six-part series "fake and misleading." Sarah Symonds, who claims to have had a seven-year affair with Ramsay from 2001 to 2008, spoke exclusively to the Daily Mail about her strong objections to the portrayal of the chef in "Being Gordon Ramsay."
Documentary Focuses on Ramsay's Ambitious Restaurant Project
The documentary follows the 59-year-old chef as he attempts to balance his family life with the opening of an enormous new restaurant concept at 22 Bishopsgate, one of London's tallest and most high-profile buildings. The series shows Ramsay navigating the challenges of this ambitious project while presenting what appears to be a softer side to the famously fiery-tempered host of "Hell's Kitchen" and "MasterChef USA."
Between scenes of restaurant setup and professional challenges, the documentary sheds light on Ramsay's personal life as husband to wife Tana and father to their six children: Megan, 27, Holly and Jack, 26, Tilly, 24, Oscar, six, and Jesse, two. The series presents Ramsay as a devoted family man committed to both his professional ambitions and domestic responsibilities.
Symonds' Strong Criticism of Documentary Portrayal
Sarah Symonds, now 56, has taken significant umbrage with this portrayal, describing the series as "totally fake – just like him" in her interview. She continued with even stronger criticism, stating: "It was a glossed over, rehabilitated, glow-up version of a bully, cheat, liar and serial philanderer."
Rejecting the documentary's depiction of Ramsay as a devoted husband and family man, Symonds added: "Gordon always acted like a single man, a man about town. He was always available and always at the same social venues late at night as me. He had the swagger and confidence of a man with no responsibilities, and the persona of a man who certainly wasn't rushing home."
Background of Alleged Affair and Ramsay's Denials
Ramsay's marriage was first rocked in 2008 when Symonds came forward with allegations of a seven-year affair. She claimed she was 31 and working in sales for an events and limo company in London when she first met Ramsay at London's Chinawhite Nightclub. According to Symonds, Ramsay had "no regard" toward Tana, implying that his marriage and family life were primarily useful for his public image.
"He said that it just looked good if he was married, but that he was his own man," Symonds recalled in her interview. After her allegations were first published in News of the World, Ramsay vehemently denied all claims, even telling the audience at the BBC Good Food Show in Birmingham: "If I was going to cheat it wouldn't be with a complete slapper."
That same year, Gordon and Tana renewed their vows in a show of public solidarity, while Symonds published her self-help book, "Having An Affair?: A Handbook for the Other Woman." Ramsay has consistently denied an affair with Symonds, insisting that he only ever met her four times.
Recent Developments and Potential Legal Action
While the Ramsays' marriage appears stronger than ever following the birth of sons Oscar and Jesse after the allegations, and despite suffering a miscarriage in 2016 that brought the family closer together according to Ramsay, Symonds has indicated she is considering taking legal action against the "Next Level Chef" star.
She claims that the stress of their alleged affair and his repeated denials caused her to develop post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction issues. "If I read once more that this documentary is 'unflinchingly honest', I think I'll scream," she said. "I am trying to heal, and then this appears everywhere. It makes me so angry."
Other Recent Controversies Surrounding Ramsay
Earlier this month, Ramsay was forced to address allegations that he'd "behaved like a bully" toward son-in-law Adam Peaty's parents following daughter Holly's marriage to the Olympic swimmer. Reports emerged of a feud between the two families, with Peaty reportedly describing Ramsay as a "big bully." In response, Ramsay told The Sun: "I'm certainly not a bully," describing their claims as "appalling."
Despite these controversies, "Being Gordon Ramsay" continues to stream on Netflix UK, presenting what the platform describes as an intimate look at the chef's professional and personal life. The documentary shows Ramsay reflecting on his first meeting with Tana, describing how he "stole" her from the friend she'd been dating at the time, and portraying their relationship as one of enduring strength and commitment.
