Jeremy Clarkson rages at 'cruel' Holly Ramsay backlash as he fiercely defends 'family friend' amid Adam Peaty wedding controversy

Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham were also in attendance, along with other well-known faces, including Dan Walker and Sara Davies, but it was the ceremony's absentees that dominated newspaper column inches.

Mr Peaty's mother, Caroline, and several members of his family were believed to be banned from the big day following reports of a bubbling family feud that overshadowed the build-up to their nuptials.

Mr Peaty's mum, who has shared cryptic social media messages since being snubbed from the guest list, is said to be heartbroken by the rejection from her son and new bride.

Salt was poured further into the wound when it was reported that celebrity chef Mr Ramsay included a barbed jibe towards his son-in-law's family in his wedding speech.

However, it wasn't just the family controversy that made headlines after Mr and Mrs Peaty stepped out for their big day, as plenty of attention was given to what the 26-year-old bride was wearing.

In a new spread with Vogue magazine, the full details of Mrs Peaty's wedding day attire were revealed, with special nods to her mother's 1996 dress. Although that too has sparked quite the debate.

But with so much attention and criticism being lodged at the new bride, family pal Mr Clarkson has decided to speak out in her defence.

In his latest newspaper column, Mr Clarkson began by pointing out that he knows "with absolute certainty" that one should never criticise a bride's wedding dress.

Therefore, Mr Clarkson conceded he was shocked to discover a well-known newspaper journalist commented that Mrs Peaty's dress "made her look like she’d got tangled up in a bedsheet" in "windy weather".

He continued: "Now look. It is absolutely fair enough to have a go at those who stick their heads above the parapet. I do that all the time.

"But Holly is simply the daughter of chef Gordon Ramsay. Why lay into her? It seems to be just cruel."

Mr Clarkson clarified that he has known Mr Ramsay and his family for "some time" and that Mrs Peaty is good friends with his eldest daughter.

"So I know (Holly's) a sweet kid," Mr Clarkson added in The Sun, before suggesting the journalist who criticised the 26-year-old should be "ashamed" of themselves.

"Lay into the father if you must. But his kids? No. Leave them alone, and especially so on their wedding day."

Mrs Peaty ignored any criticism of her wedding dress when explaining to Vogue the inspiration behind her attire.

Touching upon why she wanted to pay homage to her mother's from three decades earlier, she told the publication: "I’ve always loved the idea of bringing in Mum’s dress at some point.

"It’s beautiful: silk with a V-neckline and pearls all the way around. I tried it on and it fit me perfectly – it didn’t need any altering.”

But it wasn't just her mum who influenced her wedding day ensembles. "I knew I wanted to wear something very traditional and quite modest, with lace," Mrs Peaty added.

"I’ve always loved Grace Kelly and Kate Middleton’s gowns: that beautiful high neckline, super feminine."

Mr Peaty's new wife added that the fashion choices left her feeling "princess-like" for her big day.