Adam Peaty has finally spoken out on the rumoured family feud that has cast a shadow over his forthcoming wedding to Holly Ramsay.
The couple are planning their big day at Bath Abbey for 27 December, but hit headlines when it emerged that swimmer Adam’s mum, Caroline, had not been invited to Holly’s hen weekend on 7 November at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire. Caroline and the rest of the Peaty family, except for Adam’s sister, Bethany, have reportedly been dropped from the wedding as well.
Both bride and groom had stayed silent on the matter as the rumours swirled, but now Olympian Adam has spoken out by posting his own statement on Instagram, where he wrote about his disappointment in his family for fanning the flames.
Here’s everything Adam and his family have said about the alleged feud, as well as how Adam and Holly met.
Adam Peaty speaks out on family feud reports
The couple have had a tricky time in the run-up to their wedding. (Getty Images)
After plenty of media and online speculation about what had happened between Adam, Holly and the Peaty family, the Olympic gold-winning swimmer has finally given his side of the story.
He hinted at deep-rooted issues in a statement posted on Instagram, which read: “Over the past few days, a lot has been reported and comments posted about the private life of Holly and myself. My sister Bethany, has also been targeted. This has been almost entirely one-sided and, in many cases, excessive and intrusive. It has been deeply hurtful and upsetting to read, especially given the false basis upon which we have been targeted. What makes it worse is that it has been encouraged by members of my family.
“Bethany, Holly and myself cannot go into detail given an ongoing police investigation into serious matters that arose long before recent events.
“For those who know me personally, you know that I work so hard on trying to improve myself as a person who wants to contribute to making the world a better place. I am continuing to learn about myself and how I can be the man I want to be; a worthy partner, father, businessman, friend and athlete; even through these challenging times.
“Bethany, Holly and I will get through this – we do not ask for sympathy. We just need people to be aware that there are always two sides to every story. To those of you who have reached out and shown kindness and understanding – thank you. It is deeply appreciated. Yours faithfully, Adam.”
What happened in Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay’s feud with family?
Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty will get married on 27 December. (Indigo/Getty Images)
Rumours of an alleged rift with the Peaty family surfaced following Holly’s luxury hen weekend at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire on 7 November.
Holly, the daughter of Gordon Ramsay, celebrated with a group that included her sisters Megan and Tilly, her mum Tana, celebrity pal Victoria Beckham, Adam’s sister Bethany, and her close friends. But notably absent from the weekend was Adam’s mum, Caroline, who was reportedly at home looking after his five-year-old son, George, from a previous relationship.
Adam’s aunt, Caroline’s sister Louise Williams, signalled there might be more to the lack of invite when she posted on Instagram in response to Holly’s photos of the weekend: “@hollyramsayy I’m so glad that you had a great hen do. As a bride, you deserve that. However, as a person you were divisive and hurtful towards a woman who I have loved and continue to love deeply. You have inflicted a hurt on my sister that will take a very long time to heal if ever.”
Some reports have suggested that Adam fell out with his mum over wedding outfits. Other reports claim that tensions began following their engagement in September 2024.
Caroline has posted on social media thanking her sister for her support, writing: “The moment you realise the little sister who once drove you crazy is now the one who keeps you sane – your loudest supporter and forever best friend. Louise I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my protector through this difficult time. To the people who are being so cruel to my sister, please stop! Sadly you obviously don’t understand the bond of sisters.”
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Caroline said: “I know it’s the end. But please, the message I want Adam to hear is no matter what happens in the future, please know I love you, your dad loves you, you can come home and talk to me at any point.
Adam Peaty has become a key part of the Ramsay family. (Getty Images for Studio Ramsay)
“There’s nothing you’ve done that I would not forgive. I love you so much. I hope your marriage is a good one, I don’t wish any ill on you and I want you and Holly to have a long and happy marriage, like your dad and me. The reason I’m speaking out is I want all this to end.”
Adding that she had been “losing sleep” over whether she had “said too much” in previous conversations, Caroline claimed: “He’s (Adam) in Gordon’s clutches. I can’t help but feel like they are pulling him away from me. Their family is very insular.”
How Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay met
The couple started dating in 2023. (PA Images via Getty Images)
Adam was previously in a relationship with artist Eirianedd Munro, who he met while training at Loughborough University. They had son, George, in September 2020, but had split by August 2022.
He first met Holly while taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2021, where Holly was supporting her sister Tilly, a contestant in the same cast. However, they did not start dating until June 2023 and went Instagram official after a romantic trip to Rome.
The couple have generally kept their relationship private until the recent rumours over a feud emerged, but Adam has praised Holly for her close bond with his son and the couple proudly announced their engagement in September 2024.
Adam hinted at his good relationship with the Ramsays, but did not mention his side of the family in his Instagram announcement at the time, which read: “I can’t believe you’re going to be my wife. I’m truly the luckiest man on earth to have such a gentle, caring and beautiful woman by my side. You fill my heart to the brim and give my soul peace.
“You have been with me when I’ve been at my lowest and helped me understand myself to navigate my own darkness. You have also celebrated the highs which have been so many, as for the first time in my life, I’m happy with the man I’ve become. You came to church with me and joined the incredible community we have there without a question.
“Your family have always treated me so generously with their time, emotion and trust. I can’t wait to be joined with them too. I’ve always believed that when two people are engaged and later married that we are no longer two people but we join as one and it’s the biggest privilege to share that with you.
Holly Ramsay supports Adam Peaty with his son George. (Getty Images)
“Seeing you show the love you give to the most important person in my life, George, even from day one, there was never a question about you becoming my wife one day. I’m looking forward to our life together and the many challenges we’ll face. I promise to always love you with all my heart.”
Holly posted: “I am marrying my best friend. I truly cannot put into words how I am feeling right now. I still remember how big my smile was the morning I got home from my first date with you.
“Thank you for letting the little girl inside of me feel loved, seen and happier than ever. I love you & I cannot wait to be your wife. I promise to always be there with you and George, I’m so greatful to be in his life and I cannot wait for more. Everything is better with you. Everything has been better since you. Here’s to forever.”