Adam Peaty's former best friend Michael Gunning speaks of 'dark times' and loneliness at The Ethnicity Awards after shock wedding snub

Michael Gunning paid a heartfelt tribute to those who helped him through ‘dark times’ as he celebrated winning Sports Personality at the Ethnicity Awards.

The former international swimmer, 32, dedicated his prize to ‘anyone who has felt alone’ in a moving acceptance speech on Thursday night.

Thanking those who had supported him, he 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.’

According to organisers, the annual awards celebrate 'individuals and organisations that support Black, Asian and diverse ethnic communities.' 

Michael joined a line-up of winners including singer Heather Small, television presenters Charlene White and Gok Wan and EastEnders actress Diane Parish.

The celebration comes after a period of personal change for Michael, who has previously spoken about coming to terms with the end of friendships, including his once-close bond with Olympic champion Adam Peaty. 

The swimmers trained together for years, with Adam allowing Michael to use the pool at his home when lockdown threatened to derail his Olympic ambitions.

Michael previously described Adam, 31, as one of his greatest allies and said he ‘wouldn’t be standing here’ without his support.

However, he was reportedly uninvited from Adam’s wedding to Gordon Ramsay’s daughter Holly at Bath Abbey in December, amid claims he was considered ‘too close’ to the swimmer’s mother Caroline.

Shortly before the ceremony, Michael reflected on a year of new opportunities and changing friendships in an Instagram post.

He wrote: ‘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 of my comfort zone.’

He added: ‘But I’m learning that change can be a really beautiful thing and you should never stop fighting for your dream!’

Speaking last month, Michael said therapy had helped him process people leaving his life, while insisting he felt ‘no bitterness’ towards his former friend.

He said: ‘I have so many happy memories, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without having him as a friend.

‘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.’

Michael added that he wished Adam, Holly, 26, and their unborn daughter ‘nothing but happiness’.