Adam Peaty's ex best friend talks 'dark times' after wedding 'snub'

Michael Gunning - former best friend of Adam Peaty - has paid a meaningful tribute to all those who helped him through 'dark times'.

The 32-year-old was named Sports Personality at the Ethnicity Awards, and he dedicated his prize to 'anyone who has felt alone' in a moving acceptance speech.

Michael told the audience: "Thank you to each and every one of you who shine a light.

"Because there have been some dark times in life and it’s down to everyone that shines a light that opens up the doors to people," via the Daily Mail.

Other winners on the night included singer Heather Small, Charlene White, Gok Wan and EastEnders actress Diane Parish. The annual awards celebrate "individuals and organisations that support Black, Asian and diverse ethnic communities". 

It follows a difficult period for Michael. He is no longer on speaking terms with his former training partner and Team GB teammate Adam Peaty. 

Their relationship is believed to have broken down entirely ahead of Adam's December 2025 wedding to Holly Ramsay.

It is believed that Michael was disinvited from the nuptials because he was "too close" to Adam's mother, Caroline. 

The Olympic swimmer's sad feud with his mum was highly publicised in the lead-up to his nuptials to Holly  – and much of his family were noticeably missing from his big day at Bath Abbey on 27 December.

Right around the time of the wedding, Michael posted an end-of-year reflection on social media, admitting he had been "dropped by friends".

"This year has been crazy," he wrote, in part. "I've travelled the world, had incredible new opportunities, learnt more about myself, made mistakes and taken risks, been dropped by friends, but made unexpected new ones, been told 'no' far too many times but stepped fully outside my comfort zone. 

"Life isn't always perfect, and if you'd told me two years ago where I'd be now, I wouldn't have believed you. But I'm learning that change can be a really beautiful thing and you should never stop fighting for your dream!"

Michael feels 'no bitterness' towards former friend

Just last month, Michael spoke about the painful end of his friendship with Adam, but said he feels "no bitterness". Opening up about processing the loss, the 32-year-old explained how therapy has helped him come to terms with the fallout.

"I have so many happy memories, and I wouldn't be where I am today without having him as a friend," Michael said.

"I've always found it hard when people leave, and that’s probably why I’ve never been in a relationship, but therapy has helped me process that better and understand that people come and go from your life, and you've just got to be grateful for the time you had with them," via the Mirror. 

Michael continued: "I have no bitterness, and I genuinely wish him, Holly and their baby daughter nothing but happiness," he said."I'll always be grateful for the good memories."

The Peaty family feud

The highly publicised Peaty family feud began in late 2024 following Adam's engagement to Holly. The ongoing fall-out resulted in Adam becoming entirely estranged from his immediate family, who were notably absent when the couple married in December 2025.

Issues first arose when Adam's mother, Caroline Peaty, was left off the guest list for Holly's hen party. Adam's aunt, Louise Williams, shared a statement on Facebook following Holly's celebration, in which she criticised the bride's "divisive and hurtful" decision not to invite Adam's mum.

The ensuing dispute saw Adam's parents completely uninvited from the main wedding. 

Tensions had also escalated significantly when Adam's older brother, James, was arrested after allegedly making threats toward the Olympic champion during his stag weekend. 

In the end, only Adam's sister, Bethany, attended the star-studded wedding from his side of the family.

Gordon Ramsay and his wife Tana have publicly defended their daughter, with Gordon hitting back at accusations that his family were "bullies". The celebrity chef maintained that his family had treated Adam[s parents like royalty initially and that the eventual fallout was self-inflicted.

The latest on the Peaty family fall-out

In September 2026, it was reported that Adam's sister, Bethany had also decided to cut ties with him. She had reportedly sent an olive-branch text to end months of silence, but after Adam ignored it, she decided it was the "final straw".

Following a difficult third-place finish at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Adam broke down in tears, admitting that the public family drama had taken a severe psychological toll on his performances. He has said that, through his Christian faith, he is open to forgiveness and mending the relationship. But, he said that a reconciliation would require his family to show visible personal improvement and change first.

Parallel pregnancies

Holly and Adam confirmed in June that they were expecting their first child. The Olympian is already a dad to five-year-old son George, whom he shares with his ex-girlfriend, artist Eirianedd Munro.

"Baby Ramsay-Peaty coming December 2026. We can't wait to meet our baby girl," Holly wrote, alongside a photograph showing off her baby bump as the smiling couple stared into each other's eyes.

In response, chef Gordon commented: "Congratulations to you both sending lots of love, Dad. I'm going to be a very over excited Grandad especially this Christmas."

Around the same time Holly discovered she was pregnant, so too did Adam's sister Bethany. She is expecting her third child - also a baby girl. 

Adam's brother, James, and his wife, Charlotte, are also expecting a child together, reportedly due around November. They are already parents to two sons.