Gordon Ramsay has postponed filming his American TV show until the storm over his alleged seven-year affair dies down.

Chin up: Ramsay and his wife share a smile as they leave their home. He allegedly slept with Sarah Symonds

The fiery chef, 42, was due to fly to Los Angeles in January to film the US version of Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares but he has put it back until late spring, according to sources.

Ramsay has refused to respond to claims that he cheated on his wife Tana with “professional mistress” Sarah Symonds, 38, author of a handbook for women in adulterous relationships and an ex-lover of Jeffrey Archer.

Instead, he and Tana, 33, have put on a show of unity. But sources say she would not be happy to let him leave the family home so soon after the claims.

It would be especially inappropriate as the alleged affair took place in LA. According to the revelations at the weekend, it cooled for three years between 2004 and 2007, but rekindled in LA when Ramsay was over there filming Hell's Kitchen.

A source was today reported as saying: “We're told this has nothing to do with Gordon and Tana, but we can't imagine she'd be happy to see him jetting off only weeks after the allegations emerged. They are planning a holiday together and a family Christmas, showing their marriage is still on track.”

Commentators have speculated that allegations that Ramsay slept with Ms Symonds as recently as last Thursday, will harm his career. But colleagues of the chef have leapt to his defence, saying his business will probably benefit from the publicity.

Chef Jean-Christophe Ansanay-Alex, said last night: “Ramsay makes money because of the brand. This will boost him. Gordon is still here. All his businesses are going very well already, and this may do him good.”