Jamie Oliver Updates on Feud with Gordon Ramsay After Years of Turmoil
In a surprising turn of events, renowned chef Jamie Oliver has publicly addressed the long-standing feud with fellow culinary expert Gordon Ramsay, marking a significant evolution in their relationship.
The Origins of the Feud
The murky waters of their rivalry began back in 2009 when Oliver criticized Ramsay for an inappropriate comment comparing an Australian journalist to a pig. This incident sparked a feud that would see both chefs trading barbs for nearly a decade.
In 2010, Ramsay controversially declared himself a "chef" while dismissing Oliver as "just a cook" and labeling him a "one-pot wonder." Oliver retaliated, mocking Ramsay’s use of Botox, revealing the intensity of their rift.
Public Insults and Playful Banter
Fast forward to 2017, when Ramsay called Oliver "fat" during an appearance on his talk show, The Nightly Show. While this insult sounds harsh, Ramsay later lightened the mood with a tongue-in-cheek apology live on air, hinting at their complicated relationship filled with humor and rivalry.
Reflecting on their tumultuous history, Oliver recounted, "Me and Gordon are absolutely friends; our little berating decade is behind us." He praised Ramsay’s current endeavors, asserting, "He’s smashing life at the moment. He’s doing things that no chef’s ever done. We’re on good terms and long may it continue."
From Feud to Friendship
In a more recent revelation, Ramsay noted that his wife, Tana, is a fan of Oliver’s cookbooks and often incorporates his recipes into their family meals. He even shared a light-hearted TikTok video where he read one of Oliver’s books, brushing off their past disagreements as “old news.”
In January 2023, Oliver confirmed that they had indeed built bridges and were “currently friends,” attributing their reconciliation to advice from their wives and children prompting them to "grow up."
Support in Tough Times
Oliver had previously mentioned that Ramsay was "very supportive" during the challenging times when his restaurant empire, which included Jamie’s Italian, Barbecoa, and Fifteen, faced administration in May 2019. Ramsay expressed his disappointment, saying, "Bottom line is, he’s a great guy and a great chef, and it was sad to see him disappear overnight, but we had a drink, and it was a tough time."
Furthermore, the two families enjoyed a barbecue together during a holiday in Cornwall in 2018, which further solidified their rekindled friendship.
Unresolved Tensions with Marco Pierre White
Despite thawing relations with Ramsay, Oliver still feels the sting from his past interactions with his former hero, Marco Pierre White. He recently admitted on The Louis Theroux Podcast that White "still doesn’t like him at all." Reflecting on his early experiences, Oliver recounted, "We went on a shoot one day, spent a day with him, and it was perfectly lovely, and then a week later he just destroyed me on a double-page spread."
Such candid reflections illustrate how the culinary world can be rife with competition and rivalry, regardless of admiration for one’s mentors.
Conclusion: A New Chapter
As Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay transition into a new chapter of their relationship, the culinary community observes closely. Their journey from fierce rivals to amicable friends is a reminder that growth and reconciliation are possible, even in the most heated of disputes. With their mutual respect restored, fans of both chefs can now look forward to witnessing their professional endeavors flourish in harmony, as they continue to leave an indelible mark on the culinary scene.
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