A number of familiar faces from the world of Strictly Come Dancing have used social media to show their public support for Adam Peaty after he addressed ongoing reports of a family feud for the first time.
He and his fiancée, Holly Ramsay, publicly acknowledged the family dispute that is overshadowing their forthcoming nuptials, characterising media coverage as “deeply hurtful and upsetting” and founded on “false” grounds.
The couple released a statement on Instagram yesterday evening, with the three-time Olympic gold medallist asserting that relatives have promoted untrue narratives about him and his bride-to-be.
The pair revealed they cannot provide complete details due to an active police inquiry into “serious matters that arose long before recent events”.
The 30-year-old athlete and the 25-year-old daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay are scheduled to marry at Bath Abbey on December 27, but preparations have been marred by a public disagreement that has resulted in Mr Peaty’s mother, Caroline, being excluded from the celebration.
In their statement, the couple emphasised that Mr Peaty’s sister Bethany has also been subjected to unwarranted attacks, with coverage being “almost entirely one-sided and, in many cases, excessive and intrusive”.
The swimmer wrote: “What makes it worse is that it has been encouraged by members of my family.”
Mr Peaty stressed that whilst full disclosure remains impossible due to the ongoing police investigation, he wanted supporters to understand that “there are always two sides to every story”.
Holly Ramsay is said to be at loggerheads with Adam Peaty’s family
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PAHe added: “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.”
The athlete said he continues striving to become “a worthy partner, father, businessman, friend and athlete” despite these “challenging times”.
Mr Peaty disabled the comments on his Instagram post, meaning fans were unable to reply with their thoughts on the saga and subsequent statement.
However, the post was soon flooded with thousands of ‘likes’ from his and Ms Ramsay’s followers, including some familiar faces from the Strictly world.
Among those appearing to publicly back the swimmer was professional dancer Neil Jones, who ‘liked’ Mr Peaty’s post.
Mr Jones had competed against Mr Peaty with his celebrity partner, Nina Wadia, in 2021. Mr Peaty was paired with Mr Jones’s ex-wife, Katya Jones.
Elsewhere, 2025 Strictly star Chris Robshaw also showed his support for Mr Peaty, similarly ‘liking’ the social media update.
The family conflict is said to have originated when Mr Peaty’s mum was not invited to her future daughter-in-law’s hen celebration at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, an event attended by celebrities including Victoria Beckham.
Strictly stars Neil Jones and Chris Robshaw were among those who ‘liked’ Adam Peaty’s statement
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Following the exclusion, Ms Peaty’s sister Louise Williams posted a scathing message on Instagram, calling the decision “divisive and hurtful”.
The dispute intensified during Mr Peaty’s Budapest stag celebration, when he allegedly received increasingly hostile communications from his brother James, 34.
When the swimmer landed at Manchester Airport on November 9, five officers escorted him through passport control amid safety concerns.
Mr Peaty’s brother was subsequently detained at his Staffordshire residence on November 10 on suspicion of harassment.
Adam Peaty and Katya Jones competed together on Strictly Come Dancing
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BBC
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson confirmed: “We arrested a 34-year-old man, from the Uttoxeter area, on November 11, 2025, on suspicion of harassment. The man was released on conditional bail while our enquiries continue.”
Ms Peaty has spoken publicly about her anguish over the family breakdown, acknowledging that the relationship with her son may be irreparably damaged.
In an interview, the 59-year-old stated: “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.”
She added: “There’s nothing you’ve done that I would not forgive. I love you so much.”
Adam Peaty finished in ninth place during his time in the competition
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BBC
The swimmer’s mum also told the Daily Mail: “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 couple concluded their statement by thanking supporters, writing: “To those of you who have reached out and shown kindness and understanding – thank you.
“It is deeply appreciated.”
They emphasised they seek no pity, merely recognition of the complexity of the situation.