Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has pulled out of a scheduled appearance on today’s 'Paul O’Grady Show' amid continuing allegations that he had a seven year affair.
Ramsay has been replaced by the comedian Brian Conley at short notice. It was claimed in a weekend newspaper that he had a seven-year relationship with a woman named Sarah Symonds.
Symonds has previously been linked with other high profile individuals, and is the author of a 'how to' book about affairs.
Ramsay has yet to confirm or deny the claims but appeared in a "show of solidarity" photoshoot with wife Tana yesterday. He has, however, admitted to knowing Symonds.
It has been speculated that the rumours could damage Ramsay’s restaurant and publishing empire but celebrity PR guru Max Clifford has said he thinks it will have little or no effect.
He told the Telegraph: "I don't think it will make a blind bit of difference to his image and popularity at all. It might cause a lot of aggravation at home, I would be astonished if it doesn't."
Clifford also revealed that Symonds had contacted him in the hope of following in the footsteps of Rebecca Loos, who constructed a media career on the back of an association with David Beckham.
He said: "She (Symonds) was an extremely bright woman, very intelligent and articulate and extremely ambitious, and determined to make a name for herself. Obviously that was the way she was looking to do it."
Sarah Symonds was interviewed on The Late Late Show in February 2008.
