𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙿𝙷𝙾𝚃𝙾 𝚃𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚂𝙰𝙸𝙳 𝙴𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚈𝚃𝙷𝙸𝙽𝙶 Adam Peaty’s estranged brother has shared a devastating photo of himself and their mum standing alone outside Bath Abbey — after they were dis-invited from the wedding to Holly Ramsay.

Adam Peaty’s estranged brother James has shared a pointed message with a ‘dark hidden meaning’ to his sibling after being uninvited to his wedding.

The Olympic swimmer, 31, married Holly Ramsay, 25, in a ceremony at Bath Abbey on Saturday, but the majority of the groom’s family were not in attendance.

According to new reports, Adam’s father Mark was the only person asked to attend their big day, however he was told he’d have to sit at the back ‘behind the plus ones’.

After being kicked off the invite list, James posted an old photograph with their mother Caroline Peaty standing outside of the wedding venue.

The poignant photo was deleted just 15 minutes after it was shared on his Instagram Story, perhaps signalling regret at how bitter the feud has become.

It won’t be lost on those who have followed the fallout the choice of location in the image, where Adam and Holly married just hours before the snap was posted.

The photo – taken on a different occasion – shows mother and son stood alone and dressed in what could be wedding finery in a symbolic move.

Notably, James – who was arrested for allegedly sending threatening messages to the athlete during his stag do – used a telling song alongside the image.

Adam Peaty’s estranged brother James has shared a pointed message with a ‘dark hidden meaning’ to his sibling after being uninvited to his wedding

The Olympic swimmer, 31, married Holly Ramsay, 25, in a ceremony at Bath Abbey on Saturday, but the majority of the groom’s family were not in attendance

According to new reports, Adam’s father Mark was the only person asked to attend their big day, however he was told he’d have to sit at the back ‘behind the plus ones’ (pictured Mark Peaty, Caroline Peaty and Adam)

James’ song of choice was a remix of ‘Speak Softly, Love’, which appears several times in the iconic Mafia film, The Godfather.

The first of the trilogy was released in 1972 and tells the story of the son of a Mafia boss Michael Corleone [Al Pacino] meeting ‘outsider’ Kay Adams [Diane Keaton].

Seemingly in this case, James is comparing The Corleones to the Ramsays, who are the more powerful family – while his brother Adam is ‘the outsider’.

The relationship deteriorates as Michael embraces his role as the Mafia boss, culminating in the last scene where the door shuts on Kay, symbolising her exclusion.

The now-deleted post of James and his mother was the only photo shared to his Instagram page, which has since been completely wiped of any images.

Adam and Holly have been at the centre of a bitter feud with his family, who were all uninvited from the nuptials, aside from his sister Beth who was a bridesmaid.

Most his family stayed at home 150 miles away while the couple tied the knot in front of 200 guests in Somerset.

A family source told The Sun on Sunday: ‘Frankly, it’s disgusting that it went ahead without Adam reaching out to his mum and dad beforehand.’

According to the publication, Mark was told by Adam’s sister Beth he was allowed to attend the ceremony but he had to sit at the back.

After being kicked off the invite list, James posted an old photograph on the day with their mother Caroline Peaty standing outside of the wedding venue (stock image Bath Abbey)

James Peaty, pictured second left alongside his brothers and parents, was questioned by police for two days before being released on conditional bail

The source added: ‘For him to turn around and tell Beth that his dad could come and sit at the back of the church is awful.

‘Mark was told he could sit behind plus-ones — who Adam has probably never even seen or spoken to.’

The insider also claimed that Caroline became emotional as soon as she saw the photos released following the big day.

In lieu of his parents or brothers, Adam’s swimming coach Melanie Marshall delivered a reading during the wedding breakfast.

In stark contrast, Holly’s parents were integral to the day with her famous father Gordon walking her down the aisle and her mother Tana giving a reading.

There was no sign of strife as the newlyweds beamed and made their grand exit from the historic 7th-century building following their ceremony.

They smiled as they made their way through an adoring crowd, keen to catch the loved-up couple, before they headed to the opulent Georgian manor, Kin House.

Meanwhile, Holly’s proud father, 59, was seen thanking members of the star-studded guest list, including the Beckhams, as they left the service.

Adam and Holly pictured together after their ceremony

In what was seen by some as a display of defiance against her family, Bethany linked arms with Holly’s eldest sister as they entered the abbey carrying white arum lilies

But the run-up to the wedding has been anything but plain sailing, sparking a toxic family row that captured the nation and left Peaty’s family disinvited to the celebrations.

Adam’s other family members fueled further speculation of a rift by flying a Union Jack flag upside down in Staffordshire.

The inverted flag – an internationally recognised symbol of distress – has been interpreted by some as a subtle dig aimed at Adam and his bride.

However, is not known whether it was a deliberate snub or a simple mistake made by the patriotic family.

Caroline had reportedly planned to crash the wedding but has since decided against it explaining ‘it would be too sad’ and she doesn’t ‘want to spoil his big day’.

Her change of heart came after she’d previously insisted: ‘I will be there, and I will watch from the street.’

However, her husband Mark dissuaded her from crashing the wedding, telling her it would be ‘too upsetting’ to be there.

Instead, the Peatys remained at their home in Uttoxeter – the same home from which Caroline used to ferry her son to and from his countless training sessions and competitions, all those years ago.

Holly swept into her wedding in Bath Abbey on the arm of her celebrity chef father Gordon

David and Victoria arrive for Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty’s wedding. Victoria wore one of her own frocks, a stylish £1,290 teal number

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Holly Ramsay looked radiant in her billowing ivory gown… but as the wedding party was buffeted by the freezing wind, an even icier text was winging its way to Adam Peaty

Six weeks ago, Caroline revealed her hurt and bewilderment in the wake of an extraordinary family bust-up that had exploded into the public arena after Holly’s very glossy hen-do, to which she was not invited.

Photographs of the glamorous gathering, posted on Instagram, notably included the bride-to-be, her family and friends, Victoria Beckham, Adam’s sister Bethany, but not Caroline.

She was at home, looking after Adam’s son, George, five, from his previous relationship with Eirianedd Munro.

The move kick started a row between the families, and Adam’s brother James was even arrested over allegations he sent threats to the sportsman during his stag.

James was questioned by police for two days before being released on conditional bail after allegations he sent Adam a barrage of verbal threats while he was celebrating his stag weekend in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.

It was revealed at the time that Caroline was uninvited from attending his wedding as a result of a fallout and was branded a ‘narcissist’ by his own family over his actions.

But since then a source close to the Ramsays pointed to ‘wider problems’ in the Peaty family which they say lie at the heart of the fallout – and that they are serious.

The insider explained that there were ‘horrible’ threats of violence against Holly, and Adam and that police have been involved.

A family source told the Daily Mail: ‘The boys have always been close, and Jamie, who is a builder, even helped Adam renovate his house.

‘They’ve always got on, but Adam has changed with his new celebrity lifestyle and family.

‘Now James has a potential charge hanging over his head and his parents have the headache of being disinvited and banned from their son’s wedding.

‘This is so hurtful and distressing for our family.’

Adam was reportedly granted a huge police escort at Manchester airport on night after flying back home from his stag do.

“I JUST WANT TO WALK AGAIN…” Thomɑs Mɑrkle is wɑiting for ɑ prosthetic leg — hoping for one lɑst chɑnce ɑt independence… while still estrɑnged from Meghɑn Mɑrkle

Meghan Markle‘s estranged father Thomas had ‘much to celebrate’ this Christmas as he successfully began the arduous journey towards walking again.

Mr Markle, 81, had his left leg amputated below the knee earlier this month and was in intensive care for five days after suffering a massive blood clot which cut off circulation to his left foot.

But as he celebrated Christmas this week from his hospital bed in the Philippines, Mr Markle said: ‘I have much to celebrate. I am doing well and would like to thank all the people from around the world who have sent well-wishes.

‘I’m doing physiotherapy every day and have managed to sit on the side of the bed and even stood on my one remaining leg with the help of a nurse and a walking frame. That was a wonderful Christmas present. There is a long way to go but I am so grateful to the wonderful doctors and nurses who are taking such good care of me.’

Mr Markle is now in a hospital rehabilitation unit in the Philippine city of Cebu where he moved with his son Tom Jr. at this start of this year.

Tom Jr. celebrated Christmas at his father’s bedside alongside his girlfriend of nearly a year Rose, 28, and Mr Markle’s private nurse Christine.

He said: ‘Dad’s doing remarkably well considering what he’s been through. Rose and I visited him for Christmas and took him a card with tinsel and a few sweets taped to the inside. He’s on a special diet and has had to drastically cut back on sugar but the doctors said he could have a couple of candies to celebrated Christmas.

‘He was able to get out of bed and was taken by a wheelchair to a recreation room where he enjoyed food and entertainment with some of the other rehab patients. He’s in good spirits, grateful to be alive and working really hard to get better. He a brave man and is determined to walk again with the aid of a prosthetic leg.’

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Mr Markle has been doing daily physiotherapy in hospital to build up his strength

Thomas Markle and Caroline Graham in Mexico in 2019

Mr Markle (pictured here with his daughter in 2011) famously fell out with Meghan on the eve of her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry

Mr Markle famously fell out with his daughter on the eve of her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry.

He had posed for some paparazzi pictures in the misguided view they would help improve his public image and then suffered two heart attacks which prevented him walking his daughter down the aisle at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.

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My tears with Meghan’s dad as I told him to choose her over our friendship: CAROLINE GRAHAM

Meghan walked herself down the aisle part of the way but was escorted up to the alter by King Charles, an act Mr Markle called ‘extremely kind and generous.’

He said: ‘I will always regret not being able to walk Meghan down the aisle but King Charles stepped in and I shall be forever grateful to him. It was an extremely kind and generous thing for him to do.’

Mr Markle claims he received an ‘angry’ phone call from his daughter and Prince Harry as he recovered from the second heart attack – which led to their estrangement.

When he suffered a massive stroke in 2022 he did not hear from his daughter.

After his leg was amputated earlier this month she sent him a letter via the local US consulate which was presented to him in the presence of a lawyer who videotaped it being handed over.

Mr Markle has repeatedly said he would love to reconcile with his daughter and meet his grandchildren Archie, six and four-year-old Lilibet.

He has never met his son-in-law Prince Harry.

He is expected to remain in the rehab facility for at least three months as he learns to stand upright again, first with the aid of a walking frame and then with crutches. Doctors then hope to fit him with a prosthetic leg.

Tom Jr said: ‘There’s a long way to go but we had a lot to celebrate this Christmas.’

ICON GONE  𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐓 𝐃.𝐄.𝐀.𝐃 AT 91 France’s original “𝙨.𝙚.𝙭 𝙠𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣”, Brigitte Bardot, who stunned the world in And God Created Woman, has passed away aged 91.

Brigitte Bardot, the French actor and singer who became an international sex symbol before turning to animal rights activism, has passed away aged 91.

Bardot had been ill in hospital in Toulon, according to local media. The star’s animal rights charity announced her passing on Sunday morning with a statement.

‘The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announces with immense sadness the death of its founder and president, Madame Brigitte Bardot, a world-renowned actress and singer, who chose to abandon her prestigious career to dedicate her life and energy to animal welfare and her foundation,’ it said.

The organisation did not specify the time or place where Bardot died.

Known as the original ‘Sex Kitten’, Bardot shot to international notoriety with her role in 1956 film And God Created Woman, which was directed by her first husband Roger Vadim.

That turn as a voluptuous, hedonistic orphan made her an object of edgy fascination for millions, even though the film itself got a mixed reaction from critics.

Described by Time magazine as France‘s ‘most ogled export’, Bardot’s sex appeal was further fuelled by her outings as a model.

The star, who married and divorced three times before settling with her fourth husband Bernard d’Ormale in 1992, retired from acting in 1973 to focus on her passionate animal rights activism.

Brigitte Bardot has passed away aged 91. Above: The star in 2023, one of the last times she was pictured out and about

Known as the original ‘Sex Kitten’, Bardot shot to international notoriety with her role in 1956 film And God Created Woman, which was directed by her first husband Roger Vadim

But she drew controversy with her engagement in far-right politics, which saw her endorse National Rally leader Marine Le Pen and be fined six times for inciting racial hatred.

The star was reclusive in her final years, instead preferring to remain out of the spotlight at her secluded and very private property in Saint Tropez.

Born on September 28, 1934, in Paris, Bardot initially trained as a ballet dancer at the National Superior Conservatory of Paris for Music and Dance.

At 15, she had already appeared on the front cover of France’s Elle magazine and began to establish herself as a model.

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Her acting career began in 1952 when she starred in a series of small roles, but she soon began to turn heads at the Cannes Film Festival in 1953 when she frolicked on the beach in a skimpy bikini.

Brardot said: ‘Yes, I knew I was ugly as a child. I said to myself: “Well, I am ugly, so I must at least be bright and funny and have other things to compensate.”

‘I knew I had to be the best at something, otherwise I would be nothing. I knew I wanted the world to know about Brigitte Bardot.’

And the world certainly did.

Over the course of her career she starred in 47 films and recorded more than 70 songs.

Bardot’s willingness to be part of steamy on-screen scenes made her controversial.  And her personal life was no different.

Brigitte Bardot leaves the Elysee Palace on crutches after meeting Brigitte Macron, July 2018

In 1992 Bardot married her husband Bernard d’Ormale, a former adviser to Jean-Marie Le Pen of the Front National

Pictured: Playboy Roger Vadim with Bardot on set. After meeting the model, the French film producer helped her become a star

Bardot’s parents did not initially approve of her union with Vadim but agreed to her marriage after she attempted suicide. Above: Being walked down the aisle by her father, December 19, 1952

Brigitte with her second husband, Jacques Charrier, with whom she had a son, Nicolas

Bardot had little to do with her son Nicolas during his childhood after she gave Charrier custody of him when they divorced

Bardot’s third husband was German industrialist Gunter Sachs. The couple were married between 1966 and 1969

Despite her parents’ fierce opposition, she married Vadim in 1952. The couple’s relationship lasted just five years.

After their divorce in 1957, Bardot became ensconced with actor Jacques Charrier.

By the time they married in 1959, she was already heavily pregnant with her first and only child.

Nicolas-Jacques Charrier was born on January 11, 1960. Bardot would later say: ‘I’m not made to be a mother.

‘I don’t know why I think this because I adore animals and I adore children, but I’m not adult enough – I know it’s horrible to have to admit that, but I’m not adult enough to take care of a child.

‘I need somebody to take care of me. I’m sad to have had that baby. What will be his life? People who are making babies and families now are mad. It is such a bad world.’

In 1962, Bardot’s union with Charrier ended in divorce.

She went on to marry German millionaire playboy Gunter Sachs in 1966. But that relationship was similarly short-lived. By 1969, they had divorced.

Brigitte was born into a wealthy family in Paris and began ballet lessons from a young age after her mother enrolled her for classes

A very young Bardot (pictured in 1951) began her modelling career sporting relatively conservative fashion

Brigitte, pictured in 1955, began modelling before her film career took off when she met her first husband, Roger Vadim

Brigitte Bardot pictured smoking a cigarette after arriving in London, April 1959

Brigitte Bardot on the beach in Saint Tropez, 1984

Brigitte Bardot and James Bond star Sean Connery pose for a publicity shot during their first meeting in France before filming Shalako, 1968

Bardot pictured in 1970 at her home, La Madrague, in Saint Tropez

Bardot became known for her beehive hair, statement fringe – and for having a cigarette in her hand

Brigitte Bardot and French Academician Marcel Achard flanked by photographers attend the French artists Union Gala event at the Cirque d’Hiver in Paris on March 9, 1962

Brigitte Bardot in a scene from the film Les Femmes, 1969

La Madrague, the Saint Tropez home of Brigitte Bardot

Although she went on to have a string of other relationships, Bardot did not marry again until 1992, when she tied the knot with businessman Bernard d’Ormale, who had advised the far-right Front National.

Through the course of her life she attempted suicide four different times, including once at just 16.

At the peak of her fame, and after another suicide attempt, fans broke into her property to claim bloodstained curtains and bathroom tiles as mementoes.

After quitting acting in 1973, Bardot took her life in a different direction.

She said: ‘I gave my youth and my beauty to men, I am now giving and my experience, the best of myself, to animals.’

Setting up the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986, she was a dedicated vegetarian and regularly campaigned for the rights of animals.

In 2013 she threatened to request Russian citizenship and leave France after a pair of 42-year-old elephants were refused treatment for tuberculosis in a Lyon zoo.

She referred to France as a ‘graveyard for animals’ but ultimately won the case and saved the two former circus animals.

Bardot became an animal rights activist. Above: Attending the international feline exhibition in Saint-Tropex, France, June 1977

Bardot visiting her dog refuge in Paris, 2001

In 2001 she also donated $140,000 over two years to sterilise and adopt 300,000 of Bucharest’s stray dogs.

Not all of her activism work since quitting acting was quite so well received.

In 2004 she was convicted by a French court and fined £4,000 for ‘inciting racial hatred’ in her book A Scream in the Silence.

She was a keen supporter of the far-right Marine Le Pen. At the 2017 French elections, she told people not to vote for Emmanuel Macron because he had a ‘coldness’ in his ‘steel eyes’.

She lived out the final years of her life in a secluded property in Saint Tropez, a vacation hotspot she allegedly made famous, with her husband.

Bardot will live on through her style and her modelling years.

Never one for tradition, she posed for a nude spread in Playboy to celebrate her 40th birthday.

She created the Bardot pose, where she sat with her legs crossed in just a pair of black stockings, and the Bardot neckline was named after her because she made the style famous.

Her bouffant hair routinely makes a comeback, and her effortless style will continue to draw in fans, long after her death.

 F̳R̳A̳N̳C̳E HITS THE BRAKES Frҽnch unions have said a firm “𝐍0𝐍” to a tougher migrant crackdown — with plans stalling over police safety fears and growing resistance on the streets.

Sir Keir Starmer is facing fresh embarrassment over his pledge to ‘smash the gangs’, after French police refused to stop small–boat migrants from crossing the Channel by incapacitating their vessels.

Unions representing the officers have blocked plans for police to stop the dinghies by using tactics such as jamming the propellers, on the grounds that they could face prosecution if any migrants died as a result.

This comes despite year–long negotiations between Sir Keir and French president Emmanuel Macron over the interceptions – and the payment of £500 million by the Government to France. In return for the money, which covers a three–year period, Paris is meant to act to prevent migrants from reaching British shores.

In a letter written by Sir Keir to Mr Macron last month, the Prime Minister said: ‘It is essential that we deploy these tactics this month,’ adding: ‘We do not have an effective deterrent in the Channel.’

But now Alliance, the largest police union in France, has said it is too dangerous for its members to carry out arrests at sea while trying to force a boat to change course.

A source at the French interior ministry told The Mail on Sunday: ‘The police want guarantees that there will be no prosecutions in case of death or injury, but prosecutors say that is impossible. Meetings between lawyers and police chiefs have taken place over the past month, but the judicial authorities remain firm – there will be no waiving of criminal liability if things go wrong.

‘Any interceptions at sea are extremely dangerous, and the risk has to be accepted by those involved in policing immigrant boats.’

Last night the Home Office tried to put a brave face on the latest setback, with a source insisting the Government was still ‘committed to working in partnership’ with the French to ‘drive down small–boat crossings and break the model of the criminal smuggling gangs’.

Unions representing the officers have blocked plans for French police to stop the dinghies by using tactics such as jamming the propellers

Sir Keir Starmer is facing fresh embarrassment over his pledge to ‘smash the gangs’, after French police refused to stop small–boat migrants from crossing the Channel by incapacitating their vessels (Sir Keir,left, pictured with French President Emmanuel Macron, right, earlier this month)

But the Conservatives said the revelation demonstrated that it was a serious mistake for Labour to cancel Rishi Sunak’s plan to deter migrants by threatening to deport them to Rwanda.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: ‘Keir Starmer promised interceptions at sea near the French coast, and that’s proved to be another gimmick that won’t happen – just like his claim to smash the gangs and return many illegal immigrants.

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More than 13,000 foreign nationals claimed asylum in Britain after coming on work visa

‘Starmer himself has admitted there is no deterrent. It was a huge mistake to cancel Rwanda just before it started, and illegal immigrants have flooded over the channel since the election as a result.

‘The Conservative plan is to exit the European Convention on Human Rights, which will enable us to deport all illegal immigrants within a week of arrival. Then the crossings would soon stop.’

The move by the officers – who have arranged emergency meetings with the legislative – comes despite orders being given by the French local authorities in key sections of the Channel and North Sea coast last month for tougher intercept measures to start.

These included stopping boats off the Calais and Dunkirk beaches, from where thousands of migrants head off to England each week.

The plans were at the centre of negotiations between London and Paris over the past year, during which time more than 40,000 migrants crossed the Channel by small boat. Most were asylum seekers from countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Eritrea and Sudan.

France’s Maritime Gendarmerie was set to start the new operations, focusing initially on ports and rivers which lead into the sea.

During interceptions, police were to ‘order the boats to stop’ before ‘immobilising them, diverting them back to France, and then handing those on board to the authorities,’ said the interior ministry source.

But a senior source at Alliance said: ‘People don’t seem to realise how dangerous it is to try and carry out arrests at sea, while trying to force a boat to change course. If there are 80 people on an overcrowded boat, including women and children, then it is extremely dangerous to try and stop them.’

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A group of migrants on an inflatable dinghy leave the beach of Petit–Fort–Philippe in northern France in an attempt to cross the English Channel to reach Britain in September 2025

The French Navy also objected to intervening at sea. One senior officer said: ‘Disaster, including drownings, can easily happen.’

France’s previous interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, approved a plan to allow sea interventions in certain circumstances, including shallow water, but these appear to have been put on ice.

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His successor, Laurent Nunez, a former Paris police prefect, is understood to be concerned about the dangers the new tactics pose to serving officers. ‘He agrees that intervening in boats at sea is incredibly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs,’ said a French National Police source.

Martin Hewitt, who is in charge of border security in the UK, has expressed ‘frustration’ at French delays in implementing a new ‘maritime doctrine’ which would see patrol boats attempt to intercept inflatable boats at sea.

A Home Office spokesman said: ‘Independent operational matters are for the French authorities. France remains a critical partner in securing our borders and our joint work has prevented over 22,000 small–boat crossing attempts this year.

‘The Home Secretary has set out the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times. These new reforms will restore order and control to our border, removing the incentives which draw people to the UK illegally and increasing removals of those with no right to be on British soil.’

A Home Office source said: ‘This government has transformed the UK’s illegal migration relationship with France. Our historic one–in–one–out scheme means we can now send those who arrive on small boats back to France and we are working to ramp this up.’

𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐃𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐒 A Christmas Day swim survivor has revealed he was dragged from 6ft waves — as two people were lost to the sea in a devastating tragedy. Rescuers fought brutal conditions as the water turned deadly in moments. A festive tradition… ending in heartbreak Britain won’t forget.

Christmas Day swim survivor was rescued from 6ft waves as two lost in sea tragedy

A festive swimming tradition turned to tragedy when two men went missing at sea during a Christmas Day swim at Budleigh Salterton

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Mike Brown claimed that Christmas Day had some of the most treacherous conditions he had ever faced(Image: BBC)

A survivor of the Christmas Day swim tragedy where two men went missing at sea has spoken of how he was rescued from 6ft waves.

Crowds had gathered on the Devon coastline for the yearly yuletide dips when a group got into difficulty in the water at Budleigh Salterton.

Several swimmers were hauled to shore by onlookers, but an extensive multi-service search failed to find two participants who were carried away by fierce underwater currents.

The incident unfolded on Christmas Day, where eyewitnesses described 6ft swells and gale-force winds hitting 65mph amid a Met Office yellow weather alert.

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A floral tribute left at Budleigh Salterton after two men went missing during a Christmas Day dip(Image: William Dax/SWNS)

Mike Brown, amongst the swimmers requiring rescue, acknowledged that the sea that day ranked amongst the most treacherous he had ever faced, reports Devon Live.

“It was much worse conditions than normal and some of the worst conditions I’ve ever tried to swim in,” he noted, adding “With hindsight it was clearly a mistake to try and get in.”

Mike was saved by two local men who plunged into the water fully clothed to reach him.

After an initial attempt was aborted when a wave knocked one of the rescuers over, they managed to reach Mike as he struggled to stand.

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Hundreds attend the annual tradition(Image: Sonia Mullineux / SWNS)

Mike continued: “They took an arm each and dragged me to safety and as quick as it had started, it was over, I was on the beach and I was safe.”

He now wishes to identify the two men to express his gratitude for their courage. However, the day ended in tragedy for the families of two men, one in his 40s and another in his 60s, who are still missing.

The older man has been identified by his family as local antiques dealer Matthew Upham. It’s believed that the younger man may have been trying to assist Matthew after he was swept out to sea and “dragged down the beach.”

Matthew, 63, has been described by his family as “deeply loved”. His family said they are “heartbroken by the loss” and thanked the emergency services for their “tireless efforts and professionalism.”

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Mike Brown who was rescued from the sea on Christmas Day(Image: BBC Breakfast)

The search operation involved RNLI lifeboats, three coastguard helicopters, and land-based rescue teams who worked under “punishing conditions” throughout Wednesday, December 25. HM Coastguard called off the offshore search at 5pm that day, but Devon and Cornwall Police continue with land-based investigations.

Several other swimmers were assessed by paramedics, and one individual was transported to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. In light of the incident, police have urged the public to refrain from entering the water for Boxing Day swims.

CHRISTMAS HERO T̫R̫A̫G̫E̫D̫Y̫ An antiques dealer feared drowned after a Christmas Day swim has been hailed as a hero — reports say he entered the freezing sea to save a woman in distress.

A beloved antiques dealer still missing after going for a Christmas Day swim had heroically tried to save a woman in distress before being swept away, a close friend revealed yesterday.

Matthew Upham, 63, is feared to have drowned when he went for a traditional festive dip off the coast of Budleigh Salterton in Devon.

He and a man in his 40s remain unaccounted for after several other swimmers were pulled from the water by rescuers.

Mr Upham had gone to the beach with friends on Christmas Day morning for the annual swim.

He was among dozens of others – some with Santa hats – who had taken the cold plunge into the sea only to get into serious difficulties within seconds due to huge swells caused by high winds.

Mr Upham had nearly made it back to shore when he spotted a woman in difficulty beyond the surf line.

A friend of 30-years told the Mail on Sunday: ‘Matthew swam back out to reach her but as he did so a huge wave crashed into him and dragged him under. He hasn’t been seen since.

‘He was an exceptionally fit man and someone who swam those waters practically every day but more than that he was an incredibly selfless person.

Matthew Upham, 63, (pictured) is feared to have drowned when he went for a traditional festive dip off the coast of Budleigh Salterton in Devon

Flowers left at the beacher where Mr Upham had gone to the beach with friends on Christmas Day morning for the annual swim

‘So when he saw that woman in distress, there was only going to be one outcome and that was him swimming straight out to reach her rather than save himself.

‘From what I’ve been told, he’d actually made it out of danger initially and was about to reach the beach but turned back when he saw the woman struggling.

‘His friends who were with him watched him go out to her but when the wave came it was so strong, it just dragged him along, he really didn’t have a chance.

‘The woman eventually made it back to shore but Matthew is still missing and hopes of finding alive are fading fast.

‘I think it’s important that people know that the reason he’s missing is because he went back out to save someone – he was a very strong a swimmer who knew that stretch of coast like the back of his hand and not someone who would recklessly put himself at risk .’

Initial reports suggested that the missing man in his 40s had gone to Mr Upham’s aid when he spotted him in peril.

The friend added: ‘Those who were with Matthew said they didn’t see anyone try to help him but someone may have gone to him when he was swept further down the beach.

‘I’ve known Matthew for 30-years, we met when we both lived in London through mutual friends. He was the most generous, kindest, most considerate  person you could hope to meet, someone almost not of this world.

Emergency services arrived at Budleigh Salterton beach in Devon on Christmas Day, but the coastguard search was called off after 5pm

‘It was like he was from a different era. He was a unique character that brightened the lives of all those who knew him.

‘Knowing that he would do anything to help anyone, it doesn’t surprise me at all that he would forget his own wellbeing to help someone else.

‘It’s devastating, although entirely in character that he would risk everything for someone else. He acted with quiet courage and extraordinary selflessness, he wouldn’t have had it any other way’.

Mr Upham’s family took to social media on Boxing Day to pay tribute to him, and to thank the emergency services for their efforts.

In a statement posted to the Instagram account of his antique shop in Budleigh Salterton, his nephew Major Harley Upham wrote: ‘Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved family member Matthew Upham, who was reported missing on Christmas morning.

‘Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed.

‘We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time.

‘We are profoundly grateful for their compassion and support.

‘As we grieve and support one another, we kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected.

‘We thank everyone for their understanding, kindness, and condolences.’

Mr Upham ran his antique business in Fulham for many years before relocating to Devon and specialising in chandeliers.

A single yellow rose was left on the doorstep of his store.

Little is known about the missing man in his 40s but he is believed to be married with children.

Horrifying new details of the tragedy began to emerge yesterday.

An eyewitness told how two children were being consoled by members of the Coastguard.

She revealed: ‘One was a boy aged around mid-teens and his sister was a few years younger.

‘They both looked pale and in shock. The boy was clinging onto an older lady, whom I presumed was his grandmother.

‘This was shortly after the emergency had been raised on the beach. I saw the young girl get into the back of the coastguard vehicle.

‘Both children were visibly upset.’

Emergency services were called at 10.25am on Christmas Day to the beach at Budleigh Salterton following concern for swimmers in the water

Mike Brown, one of the swimmers who was rescued was seen emerging from the sea with blood pouring down his face in a photograph released yesterday.

Speaking to BBC, Mr Brown said: ‘It was much worse conditions than normal and some of the worst conditions I’ve ever tried to swim in. With hindsight it was clearly a mistake to try and get in.’

Mr Brown described how two local men saw him struggling amid the six-foot waves and put themselves at risk to pull him out.

He said that the men entered the sea before one was knocked over by the force of a wave. They tried a second time and managed to reach Mr Brown as he was struggling to stand.

Mr Brown added: ‘They took an arm each and dragged me to safety and as quick as it had started, it was over, I was on the beach and I was safe.’

According to witnesses, swimmers had gone into the sea after spotting a lifeboat, raising concerns that participants may have thought the informal swim was supported by lifeguards.

It is understood that the RNLI lifeboat was out on an exercise, and was not there to protect swimmers participating in the Christmas Day swim.

However, the lifeboat responded immediately when people got into trouble and was joined by Exmouth and Beer Coastguard rescue teams and a search and rescue police helicopter.

Devon and Cornwall Police said several swimmers were helped back to shore and taken to hospital as a precaution, but added: ‘Two men remain missing at this time and searches and enquiries are ongoing in efforts to locate them.’

 THE ICIEST MOMENT WASN’T THE WEATHER…  𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙢𝙨𝙖𝙮 looked radiant in her flowing ivory gown as freezing winds whipped through the wedding day — but behind the scenes, an even colder text was heading straight for Adam Peaty

Holly Ramsay swept into her wedding in Bath Abbey yesterday on the arm of her celebrity chef father, but keeping her lace gown concealed beneath a billowing hooded ivory cloak.

If Gordon Ramsay‘s daughter appeared nervous as she made her way through a chaotic crowd of onlookers before she headed down the aisle to exchange vows with Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, she had good reason.

For behind the couple’s lavish nuptials lay an ugly family drama which resulted in the groom’s mother – and nearly every member of his family – excluded from the dazzling ceremony amid claims of snobbery and classism.

Sitting at home more than 130 miles away in Staffordshire, Adam’s broken–hearted mother Caroline was said to be ‘beside herself’ with grief at missing what should have been one of the happiest days of her life.

Speaking from the council house where Adam grew up, the 59–year–old told The Mail on Sunday: ‘I’m not going to be hurt like this again’.

She had told yesterday’s Daily Mail that she felt as if Holly and Adam ‘have cut my heart out’.

This newspaper can also reveal that, moments before he walked into the abbey clutching the hand of his five–year–old son George, Adam Peaty was sent a devastating text message by his aunt Louise, who was also not invited to the wedding.

In it, she wrote: ‘I hope you never suffer the depth of pain you have put your mother through and despite it all she loves you still. Shame on you both. Shame.

‘Remember on this, your happiest day, and on each anniversary of your happiest day, that you hurt your mum so deeply her soul screams.’

Holly Ramsay and groom Adam Peaty were declared man and wife at a ceremony in Bath Abbey

Adam Peaty’s mother Caroline (picture), who spent years ferrying her son to early–morning training sessions, was not invited to the couple’s wedding – or to Holly’s glamorous hen do at Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds last month

The roots of this terrible family conflict go back to September 2024, when Adam and Holly snubbed wider members of the Peaty family by not inviting them to their engagement party.

Caroline, who spent years ferrying her son to early–morning training sessions, was also not invited to Holly’s glamorous hen do at Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds last month, even though the bride’s mother, Tana Ramsay, and friends including Victoria Beckham, were at the extravagant bash.

Read More

Adam Peaty’s family fly ‘Union Jack in distress’ outside as banned mother stays away from wedding

Despite everything Caroline sent a card and gift to her newlywed son for his 31st birthday today.

Meanwhile, Adam’s 73–year–old great–aunt Janet, who was also left out of yesterday’s wedding, told The Mail on Sunday: ‘I just feel so sorry for Caroline.

‘I can’t believe he’s done this to his mother who’s done so much for him from an early age. To be treated like this is not kind.’

Despite being shunned, devastated Caroline had threatened to turn up at the wedding anyway – and, if barred from entering the abbey, stand outside and watch from the street.

She said yesterday that she changed her mind after her husband Mark convinced her it would be ‘too upsetting’ to go along.

Had she defied her son’s ban, she would have found herself face–to–face with five security guards, placed in front of the abbey’s ancient and elaborately carved wooden doors, which were framed by decorative columns of white roses and hydrangeas.

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Holly Ramsay swept into her wedding in Bath Abbey on the arm of her celebrity chef father Gordon

Holly kept her lace gown concealed beneath a billowing hooded ivory cloak

The happy couple were mobbed by well–wishers shouting ‘Merry Christmas’ as they passed

In what was seen by some as a display of defiance against her family, Bethany linked arms with Holly’s eldest sister as they entered the abbey carrying white arum lilies

The Ramsay family splashed out thousands on the venue, where weddings normally cost around £2,500, block–booking it for the day to ensure the service took place in absolute secrecy.

Having found fame and fortune for his foul–mouthed antics in the kitchen, Gordon Ramsay was on his best behaviour as he helped his 25–year–old daughter from a black Rolls–Royce which drew up outside the Gothic abbey at about 12.30pm.

He was seen whispering in her ear before kissing her cheek while an attendant straightened her crumpled outfit.

Buffeted by an icy wind, the pair were mobbed by well–wishers shouting ‘Merry Christmas’ as they passed.

Waiting inside for a first glimpse of the bride was a celebrity–studded congregation, including Sir David and Victoria Beckham, who are no strangers to family feuds themselves.

Their sons Romeo and Cruz and daughter Harper, who are close friends of the Ramsays, were also there – but not estranged son Brooklyn.

Marcus Wareing from Masterchef: The Professionals and his wife Jane were also there.

The ensuing ceremony, one guest later told The Mail on Sunday, was ‘beautiful and very emotional’.

David and Victoria arrive for Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty’s wedding. Victoria wore one of her own frocks, a stylish £1,290 teal number

The dark green silk dress worn by the bride’s mother, 51–year–old Tana, was also from Lady Beckham’s label

Chef and TV presenter Marcus Wareing departs after attending the wedding of the couple

Sara Davies was also amongst the guest list at the wedding in the centre of Bath

The newlyweds left church at around 1.30pm to a joyful peal from the abbey bells and were driven away to their reception at Kin House, a Georgian manor house 17 miles away, near Chippenham

Like Adam, who is a devout Christian, Holly was determined that they would exchange vows in a religious service. Peaty’s son George, from a previous relationship, was said to have played a pivotal role in the ceremony.

Read More

EXCLUSIVE
The VERY humble origins of Adam Peaty’s father-in-law to be, Gordon Ramsay

The three bridesmaids were Holly’s older sister Megan, 27, younger sister Tilly, 24, and Adam’s sister Bethany – the only member of his family to be invited to the event, as well as to the hen party.

Other relatives said Bethany had been included as one of the bride’s attendants because she ‘fits in’ with the Ramsays’ glamorous world.

In what was seen by some as a display of defiance against her family, Bethany linked arms with Holly’s eldest sister as they entered the abbey carrying white arum lilies.

The bridesmaids wore red flowing dresses designed by Victoria Beckham. The former Spice Girl also wore one of her own frocks, a £1,290 teal number, and the dark green silk dress worn by the bride’s mother, 51–year–old Tana,was also from Lady Beckham’s label. Peaty, meanwhile, slicked back his hair and wore the same dinner suit as his new father–in–law.

There was no word, however, on the designer behind Holly’s romantic floral–patterned lace dress which was kept under wraps until the influencer was inside the abbey, away from prying cameras.

Other than the glaring absence of Peaty’s family, the bride and groom were declared man and wife without any drama. The newlyweds left church at around 1.30pm to a joyful peal from the abbey bells and were driven away to their reception at Kin House, a Georgian manor house 17 miles away, near Chippenham.

There, guests were served a wedding banquet which featured prawn cocktail, beef Wellington and pan–roasted halibut followed by a tarte tatin. A tradition wedding cake was served at 8pm.

A source said: ‘Holly and Adam have been meticulous in their planning and it’s come together perfectly. They couldn’t wait to share everything with their guests.’

While the ceremony and reception were conducted in the utmost secrecy, it’s likely they will feature in an upcoming Netflix documentary series about life in the Ramsay family.

Its airing – expected early next year – may well be the first proper glimpse Caroline Peaty will get of her own son’s wedding.

For the time being, mother and son remain tragically at loggerheads, unable to mend their differences and patch up their formerly close relationship. This is one story in search of a happy ending.

PACK YOUR BAGS, GEN Z! STARMER OFFERS A “PAID GAP YEAR” IN THE ARMY BECAUSE APPARENTLY, WE’RE RUNNING OUT OF ACTUAL SOLDIERS!

Young people under the age of 25 will be offered a paid military ‘gap year’ from March under a new Government scheme designed to boost Britain’s beleaguered armed forces.

The initiative will initially enrol approximately 150 participants before scaling up to recruit more than 1,000 participants annually.

Placements will last up to two years, offering young Britons an introduction to life in the British Army, Royal Navy and RAF without requiring a long-term commitment.

Those taking part will not be sent on active operations and salary expectations are yet to be disclosed.

The Ministry of Defence hopes the programme will attract a wider range of people into military careers, whilst also equipping participants with transferable skills in leadership, teamwork and problem-solving regardless of whether they ultimately choose to enlist.

Participants joining through the Army will undertake 13 weeks of basic training as part of their two-year placement.

The Royal Navy’s offering differs, providing a 12-month programme with what has been described as “profession agnostic” training for sailors.

Plans for the RAF remain at an earlier stage, with the service currently exploring its options for the scheme.

The Government has set out plans for a military ‘gap year’ to boost recruitment for Britain’s beleaguered armed forces

The initiative draws inspiration from Australia’s Defence Force gap year programme, which has operated for over a decade and allows those aged 17 to 24 to experience military life.

In 2023, some 664 young Australians enrolled in that scheme, with slightly more than half subsequently taking up permanent roles in the country’s armed forces.

Defence Secretary John Healey described the initiative as marking “a new era for Defence” that would create fresh pathways for young people to engage with the armed forces.

“This gap year scheme will give Britain’s young people a taste of the incredible skills and training on offer across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF,” he stated.

Defence Secretary John Healey described the initiative as marking ‘a new era for Defence

“It’s part of our determination to reconnect society with our forces, and drive a whole of society approach to our nation’s defence.”

Mr Healy hoped the announcement of the scheme would inspire Britain’s youth over the festive period.

“As families come together at this time of year, and young people think about their futures, I want the outstanding opportunities on offer in our Armed Forces to be part of that conversation in homes across the UK,” he said.

However, Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge dismissed the programme as insufficient, arguing that Labour’s rhetoric failed to match reality.

“A scheme involving just 150 participants is barely a pilot, let alone the ‘whole of society’ response they claim to be delivering,” he said.

Mr Cartlidge acknowledged the merits of the Australian model, but maintained “these tiny numbers do nothing for our war readiness, and expose the harsh reality that Labour is prioritising higher welfare spending over a proper increase in the defence budget”.

He criticised Labour’s Defence Investment Plan as running months behind schedule, questioning when ministers intended to reach their 3 per cent of GDP defence spending target.

The Tories, he argued, were more “serious about defending our country”.

The state of Britain’s armed forces has come under intense scrutiny in recent years

Mr Cartlidge highlighted his party’s proposed Sovereign Defence Fund, which he told the BBC would raise an additional £50billion for defence capabilities.

In November, a dammning Commons Defence Committee concluded the Government is moving at a “glacial” speed in strengthening Britain’s armed forces.

The 11-month-long inquiry said that Britain was struggling to meet its defence obligations under Nato Article 3, which requires member states to “maintain and develop individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack”.

It found that the UK had “next to nothing” with its integrated air and missile defence systems and “lacks a plan for defending the homeland and overseas territories”.

 𝐆𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐍’𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐄!  What should have been a fairytale turned explosive as Gordon Ramsay was dragged into the spotlight amid reports of a heated scuffle on the day his daughter Holly Ramsay married Adam Peaty.

What should have been the happiest day of Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay turned into a dramatic wedding spectacle — with chaos outside the church, simmering family tensions and an emotional absence hanging heavy over the celebrations.

The Olympic champion and the daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay tied the knot at the historic Bath Abbey on December 27, surrounded by A-list guests and cheering crowds. But behind the smiles and luxury gowns, the day was overshadowed by a bitter feud that left Adam’s own mother barred from attending.

Just hours before the ceremony, Adam’s heartbroken mum Caroline revealed the depth of her pain, admitting the fallout felt “like they have cut my heart out.” Despite earlier hints that she might turn up regardless, she ultimately stayed away — while her son said “I do” without his closest family by his side.

Inside the abbey, the atmosphere was glitzy and emotional. Holly arrived beaming, walking confidently alongside her father Gordon, who looked visibly tense as photographers surged forward in chaotic scenes. Reports claimed crowds jostled for the perfect shot, with alleged scuffles breaking out as paparazzi rushed from different entrances, forcing security to step in.

The only member of Adam’s immediate family present was his sister Bethany, who stood firmly by his side. She joined Holly’s sisters Tilly and Megan as part of the bridal party, the trio turning heads in striking red gowns as they carried lilies down the aisle — a silent but powerful show of support amid the family rift.

After exchanging vows, the newlyweds emerged to thunderous cheers, officially husband and wife, before heading off to a lavish evening reception at Kin House, a Georgian manor boasting a private pool, secret stage and sprawling gardens. Celebrations were expected to run long into the night.

Among the famous faces in attendance were Victoria Beckham and husband David, with Victoria turning heads in a teal dress from her own label — a reminder that while the wedding sparkled with celebrity glamour, the emotional fallout within the Peaty family was impossible to ignore.

From a proud father’s nervous glances to a mother’s silent heartbreak hundreds of miles away, Adam and Holly’s wedding will be remembered not just for its luxury — but for the raw family drama that played out alongside it.

ＷEDDING ƊRAMA NO ONE EXPECTEƊ  **Adam Peaty’s mum was shυt oυt and left outside, as Holly Ramsay walked down the aisle arm-in-arm with her dad Gordon Ramsay.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay proudly led his daughter Holly Ramsay down the aisle today as she married Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty in a lavish ceremony at Bath Abbey — a wedding overshadowed by bitter family fallout that left the groom’s mother barred from the celebrations.

Adam, 30, and Holly, 25, tied the knot in front of around 200 guests, with a heavy security presence sealing off the historic Abbey as photographers and onlookers gathered outside from mid-morning. Burly guards pushed through the crowds as Holly arrived shortly after 12.30pm, smiling and radiant despite the commotion.

Wrapped in a white cloak and keeping the details of her gown tightly under wraps, Holly walked hand-in-hand with her father. As they made their way inside, Gordon waved cheerfully to the crowd and wished them “Merry Christmas!”, cutting a proud and relaxed figure on his daughter’s big day.

Inside the Abbey, well-heeled guests included David Beckham and Victoria Beckham, who arrived with children Romeo, Cruz and Harper. TV presenter Dan Walker, MasterChef judge Marcus Wareing and Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies were also spotted heading inside.

Adam, who turns 31 on Sunday, was seen earlier in the day arriving in a tuxedo alongside his groomsmen. At dawn, he shared a serene sunrise snap by an outdoor pool overlooking open fields, captioning it simply: “Morning of our wedding ”.

Yet while the couple celebrated behind closed doors, the most painful scene played out beyond the Abbey walls. Adam’s mother, Caroline, had been effectively banned from the ceremony and was left unable to approach or enter the venue to see her son get married. She had initially planned to stand outside and watch from afar — hoping at least to catch a glimpse — but ultimately stayed away after deciding it would be “too upsetting”, following weeks of family tension and hurt.

The Abbey was booked out exclusively for the entire day, with the couple paying several thousand pounds extra on top of the usual fee to prevent any other weddings or public access. That decision sparked criticism from locals and tourists, some of whom branded the move “selfish” given the service itself lasted around 90 minutes.

Guests were later due to be whisked away by minibus for celebrations lasting until midnight, with a refined menu including prawn cocktail or Jerusalem artichoke to start, followed by beef Wellington, pan-roasted wild halibut or a vegetarian pithivier. Phones were covered on arrival to preserve privacy, and a security team remained on patrol throughout.

Earlier, Gordon had shared an emotional tribute online, saying he was “truly so lucky” to walk his “beautiful bride” down the aisle and to be gaining “an incredible son-in-law”, adding that he couldn’t be prouder of Holly.

But outside the Abbey gates, the absence of Adam’s family — and the quiet heartbreak of a mother locked out of her son’s wedding day — cast a long, painful shadow over what was otherwise one of the most star-studded society weddings of the year.