A set of scandalous images shared by ultra-wealthy reality star Kenneth Tong has raised uncomfortable questions about his relationship with Alice Vanderpump, wife of TV personality Sam Vanderpump. The photos, which show Alice wearing an 18-carat diamond ring gifted by Tong, have ignited a firestorm, particularly due to the controversial history between Tong and Alice’s husband.
The Stunning Image and Its Aftermath
The Instagram post shared by Kenneth Tong showed Alice Vanderpump, the 24-year-old star of Made in Chelsea, wearing a dazzling engagement ring as she flashed a beaming smile at a restaurant table with Tong. The ring, described as an 18-carat diamond set in platinum, immediately sparked widespread attention from Tong’s 11 million followers. However, among the rapturous comments was one angry response—that of Alice’s husband, Sam Vanderpump, who demanded Tong delete the image.
Sam, deeply angered by the post, messaged Tong directly on Instagram, accusing him of sharing a moment with his wife despite Alice and Kenneth’s very brief interaction. Sam’s fury was evident, as he claimed that Alice had only met Tong once, before he was thrust into the public spotlight with this image.
Kenneth Tong’s Side of the Story
Kenneth Tong, who first gained notoriety during his time on Big Brother in 2009, has defended the photos, claiming a far deeper connection with Alice. According to Tong, Alice and he became close friends months before her relationship with Sam, even going so far as to say that he proposed to Alice with the same 18-carat diamond ring. Tong insists that despite Alice’s public denials, he did propose to her, but she turned him down.
Tong also reveals that their friendship blossomed over the years, starting on Instagram before becoming more personal when Alice was modeling in China. He recounts flying out to Guangzhou, where Alice was based, to visit her, and the two formed a strong bond during their time together. He claims that during their friendship, he lavished Alice with gifts including a Louis Vuitton cashmere jacket, Chanel handbags, and a £3,700 vintage yellow-gold Van Cleef necklace.
“No material need of hers was ever denied,” Tong said in an exclusive interview. “If she wanted something, I would get it for her, whether it was a new phone or two or three Chanel bags.” He also stated, “I would’ve bought her an apartment at One Hyde Park if she asked for it.”
Alice’s Representatives Deny the Claims
While Tong’s version of the relationship is laden with extravagant gifts and claims of a proposal, Alice’s representatives have firmly rejected his account. They insist that there was no proposal and that the images of Alice wearing the ring were simply a joke—she allegedly tried on his ring during a visit, but no engagement was ever intended. Alice’s team further clarified that she had only met Kenneth once during a trip abroad and that they were not romantically involved.
The photos posted by Tong only serve to complicate the narrative, showing Alice in intimate poses with him. One image captures Alice cuddling Tong, dressed in matching white robes, with her head tucked into his chest. Another shows the pair under a lavish chandelier in what appears to be a luxurious setting, while a third picture has them standing side-by-side in front of a grand mirror.
The most striking photo, however, shows Alice smiling widely as she extends her hand towards the camera, displaying the large diamond ring. This photo, along with the others, has raised many questions about the true nature of their relationship and the timing of these revelations.
The History Between Alice and Spencer Matthews
The timing of this public revelation is particularly sensitive given the history between Alice Vanderpump and Spencer Matthews, who were briefly romantically involved on Made in Chelsea in 2013. Their relationship ended after Spencer admitted to cheating on Alice during a holiday in Greece. Their breakup played out on screen and caused significant emotional turmoil for Alice, especially when fans exposed Spencer’s infidelity.
After their split, Alice reflected on the experience, telling the Daily Mail, “Since Spencer, I’ve been more cautious about who I let into my life.” However, despite her past, Alice quickly moved on and found love with Sam Vanderpump, the nephew of reality TV matriarch Lisa Vanderpump.
Sam and Alice’s Relationship Today
After meeting Sam in 2024, Alice’s life quickly accelerated. They married after just six months of dating and welcomed their first child, Marmaduke (known as Duke), in February 2026. Their whirlwind romance and marriage have been heavily documented on Made in Chelsea, and despite the recent tension caused by Kenneth Tong’s claims, Alice and Sam appear to be a solid couple.
However, Sam’s health has been a concern. Sam revealed in Made in Chelsea that he was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, which has led to ongoing health struggles. Alice has been by his side throughout, and their relationship has been marked by the challenges Sam’s condition has brought to their family.
Kenneth Tong’s Troubling Past
Kenneth Tong’s reputation is as controversial as it is provocative. He became infamous during his time on Big Brother UK in 2009, where his remarks—including calling a fellow contestant “fat” and threatening another housemate—were widely condemned. Tong’s behavior after his reality TV stint did little to improve his image, as he was heavily criticized for promoting “managed anorexia” on social media in 2010, a campaign that sparked outrage from public figures including Rihanna and Katy Perry.
Despite this, Tong has continued to make headlines, often using social media to stir controversy. His involvement with Alice Vanderpump now adds a new chapter to his already complicated public persona.
The End of the Affair?
As the story continues to unfold, Alice Vanderpump’s relationship with Kenneth Tong remains shrouded in mystery. Whether or not their bond was truly romantic, the lavish gifts, the diamond ring, and the intimate photos suggest a much closer connection than Alice has publicly admitted. Meanwhile, Sam Vanderpump’s reaction shows the deep emotional stakes involved in these revelations, as he works to protect his family and move forward from the past.
With a history of drama, family secrets, and scandalous revelations, this story is far from over. For Alice and Sam, it’s clear that their relationship is stronger than ever, but the questions surrounding Kenneth Tong’s claims will likely continue to haunt them in the public eye.
