Gordon Ramsay says the most important lesson he teaches his six children isn’t about food at all. On the FOX Upfront 2026 red carpet, he framed manners as a “cost zero” rule he expects in every stage of life—from school to military service—then pointed to one
On the FOX Upfront 2026 red carpet, Gordon Ramsay didn’t talk first about heat, timing, or technique. He talked about the rule he insists is non-negotiable inside his home—and it has nothing to do with food.
“The one thing I’ve taught them all, brilliantly, are manners,” Ramsay told Fox News Digital. “The most important thing in life, but they cost zero.”
He made it clear the expectation isn’t limited to the kitchen table. He said the same standard applies across the board, whether his children are “serving in the military,” “studying at university,” or growing up under the constant glare of their father’s global fame.
Ramsay and his wife, Tana Ramsay, are parents to Megan, who was born in 1998; twins Jack and Holly, born in 1999; Matilda—who goes by “Tilly”—born in 2001; Oscar, born in 2019; and Jesse, born in 2023.
His own definition of what that “respect” looks like also showed up in the roles his children have chosen. Ramsay previously told People that “Jack’s a Royal Marine commando. off defending the country in some of the most extreme conditions. ” while “Megan’s an incredible police officer.” He said Holly “has gone into fashion. ” Tilly is “studying at university for her degree. ” and that “Tana and I came from a family with no degrees.”.
Tana has also credited their big-family upbringing with helping the couple navigate life with six children. “I’m one of four, Gordon’s one of four, so it’s sort of second nature to me,” she added.
If manners are the rule Ramsay wants firmly in place, he’s less patient about anything he sees as entitlement creeping in. He has made it clear he does not want entitlement anywhere near his household.
Still, for all the emphasis on behavior outside the kitchen, Ramsay says there’s one place where he loses patience—on food itself. When Fox News Digital asked what mistake continues to make him crazy after years of judging aspiring cooks, he didn’t hesitate.
“The one mistake I see over and over that drives me insane. they think seasoning food should be done at the end. ” he said. “When you season food, beginning small, middle small and correct the seasoning at the end. Don’t wait until it’s cooked before you start seasoning. Food needs to be cooked with seasoning, not ignored for 90% of the journey.”.
Even so, Ramsay said competition television is what keeps him hooked. He described the chaos—especially the collision between social media stars, amateurs, and professionals—as something that excites him.
“I get so excited when that mixture becomes real with social media stars. amateurs and then professionals. because they rub each other up the wrong way and. so. that creates friction even before I get into the mix. ” he said. “Then the intensity with a grab from that platform. Cooking is hard enough, but pivoting with ingredients you’ve never cooked before is bloody hard and that excites me.”.
FOX has renewed Ramsay’s shows for additional seasons, including “Kitchen Nightmares,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service,” “Next Level Baker” and “Next Level Chef.”
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