Gordon Ramsay’s alleged ‘ex-mistress’ has accused him of presenting a “fake” and “rehabilitated” image in his new Netflix documentary series.
Being Gordon Ramsay follows the celebrity chef as he takes on what is billed as his biggest venture yet — the launch of a new restaurant concept at 22 Bishopsgate — while juggling the demands of his work and family life.
The six-part series offers behind-the-scenes access to Ramsay’s professional life alongside more intimate moments at home with his wife, Tana Ramsay, and their six children.
However, one viewer who has been left disgruntled by the series is Sarah Symonds.
Symonds alleges she had a seven-year affair with Ramsay between 2001 and 2008, claims he has long denied, and argues the documentary presents a misleading version of his life.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Symonds, 56, said the series — which portrays Ramsay as a devoted husband and father — was “misleading and disingenuous”.
She claims it glosses over what she describes as years of infidelity and bullying behaviour.
She alleges that during what she says was a seven-year affair, Ramsay lived “a double life” while carefully cultivating his public image as a family man.
“Gordon always acted like a single man, a man about town,” Symonds told the newspaper.
“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.”
Symonds said the repeated portrayal of the series as “unflinchingly honest” had left her angry and distressed, claiming she has been left traumatised by the alleged relationship and its aftermath.
Ramsay has always denied the claims he had an affair and even told the BBC Good Food Show in Birmingham: “If I was going to cheat it wouldn’t be with a complete slapper.”
The celebrity chef insists he has only ever met Symonds four times.
In the wake of the allegations, Gordon and Tana renewed their vows and went on to welcome their sons Oscar and Jesse.
In the documentary, Ramsay praises his wife Tana as the foundation of his success and says his children have always been the most important part of his life, despite the pressures of his career.
