In a bombshell moment from his new Netflix docuseries Being Gordon Ramsay, which premiered on February 18, 2026, the celebrity chef confronts painful truths about his parenting, with his older children reportedly expressing deep-seated resentment. While Gordon himself admits to a profound “guilt complex” over prioritizing his skyrocketing career over family time, sources close to the production and family insiders claim the kids—Megan, Holly, Jack, and Tilly—have gone further in private conversations captured or referenced in the series, accusing their father of not being “the father we deserved growing up.”
The six-part series, which follows Gordon’s ambitious launch of multiple new dining concepts at London’s 22 Bishopsgate alongside intimate glimpses into his home life with wife Tana and their six children, has already sparked widespread discussion. Gordon, 59, openly tears up discussing his regrets, particularly with his four eldest: Megan (27), twins Holly and Jack (26), and Tilly (24). He confesses, “I wasn’t a s**t dad the first time around, I just wasn’t there that much.” He adds that his love for them is “built up through guilt,” revealing that the older ones have directly told him, “Can we see you more?” and “Dad, we miss you.”
Insiders suggest the on-screen vulnerability only scratches the surface. In un-aired or subtly referenced moments during filming, the Ramsay children allegedly voiced harsher sentiments, framing Gordon’s absence during their formative years as a source of lasting emotional pain. Phrases like “he wasn’t the father we deserved” have circulated in leaks and behind-the-scenes reports, with some family members reportedly feeling his relentless work ethic—fueled by his own traumatic childhood with an abusive, alcoholic father—created an emotional distance that money and fame couldn’t bridge. The doc highlights Gordon’s determination to be more present for younger sons Oscar (6) and Jesse (2), contrasting sharply with the experiences of the older siblings.
Gordon has long spoken about using his “torrid” relationship with his late father (who died of a heart attack at 53 in 1997) as motivation to break the cycle. Yet the series reveals how that drive sometimes backfired: endless restaurant openings, TV commitments (Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, Next Level Chef), and global expansion left little room for school events, family vacations, or everyday parenting. He admits the guilt has shaped his affection, saying the older kids’ pleas for more time hit hard.
Notably absent from the doc are Megan (a police officer) and Jack (a Royal Marine commando), whose professions Gordon cited for security and scheduling reasons. Their exclusion has fueled speculation that family tensions run deeper, with some suggesting they opted out due to unresolved feelings about their upbringing.
The revelations come amid other family spotlights in the series: Holly’s wedding to Adam Peaty (marred by a public feud with Peaty’s relatives), Tilly’s culinary school journey, and emotional family moments like engagement parties. While Gordon portrays himself as a devoted dad now making amends—doting on the little ones and supporting the older children’s independent paths—the alleged accusations add a layer of raw honesty that has left viewers stunned.
Fans have mixed reactions. Many praise Gordon’s candor, seeing it as proof of growth and self-awareness. Others express sympathy for the kids, noting how celebrity childhoods often come with unique pressures. Social media buzzes with clips of Gordon’s tearful confessions, alongside debates about whether his success justified the sacrifices.
As Being Gordon Ramsay continues to stream and dominate conversations, it humanizes a man often seen as unbreakable. The chef who roars in kitchens now quietly admits his biggest battles were at home. Whether this public airing leads to deeper healing or further strain remains to be seen—but for the first time, the Ramsay family story isn’t just about triumphs in the kitchen; it’s about the quiet costs of chasing perfection.