Ainsley Harriott is a British chef, television presenter, cookbook author, and occasional actor. He is probably most famous for cooking game shows such as Ready Steady Cook and Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook. Although he is well known to British TV audiences, there are many Ainsley Harriott facts that people do not know. So, what are some interesting facts about Ainsley Harriott? Here are some fascinating Ainsley Harriott facts to help you get to know him better.
Ainsley Harriott Facts: His Personal Life
Where Was Ainsley Harriott Born?
Ainsley Harriot was born in Paddington, London, on the 28th of February 1957, although he has Jamaican heritage.
What Is Ainsley Harriott’s Middle Name?
Some people would consider Ainsley an unusual name, but the chef also has unusual middle names. His full name is Ainsley Denzil Dubriel Harriott.
Is Ainsley Harriott Married?
Harriott is currently single. However, he was previously married to costume designer Clare Fellows. They married in 1989 but announced their separation in 2012, but they remain on good terms. Harriott’s former wife is the youngest sister of comedian and actor Graham Fellows.
Does Ainsley Harriott Have Children?
Yes, Ainsley Harriott does have children. He has a son, Jimmy, and a daughter, Maddie, with his ex-wife.
Where Does Ainsley Harriott Live?
Ainsley Harriot currently lives in London.
Ainsley Harriott Facts: His Culinary Career
Where Did Ainsley Harriott Train as a Chef?
Ainsley Harriott attended Westminster Kingsway College before obtaining an apprenticeship at Verrey’s restaurant in the West End district of London. He then continued to work at the restaurant as a commis chef.
He Worked for a Cricket Club
After leaving Verrey’s, Ainsley Harriott went on to become head chef at the Long Room of Lord’s Cricket Club.
Harriott Has a Food Range
The success of his culinary and television career led to Ainsley Harriott launching his own food range. The self-titled range includes soups, cous cous, cereal bars, and risotto.
How Many Cookbooks Has Ainsley Harriott Written?
One of the facts about Ainsley Harriott that his fans often want to know is, “how many books has Ainsley Harriot written? During his career, Ainsley Harriot has written 12 cookbooks. He first published the book Ainsley Harriot’s Meals in Minutes in 1999. Harriott’s most recent cookbooks are the 2020 book Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook and the 2021 cookbook Ainsley’s Good Mood Food.
Ainsley Harriott Facts: His Career in the Media
He Became a Celebrity Chef on a Morning Show
Ainsley Harriott first became known as a celebrity chef in 1992 when he began appearing on Good Morning with Anne and Nick as the resident chef.
Harriott is Most Famous for Cooking Game Shows
The British chef is probably best known for presenting cooking game shows, including Ready Steady Cook and Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook. However, he has also presented multiple cookery shows. His first was Ainsley’s Barbecue Bible in 1997, and his most recent were the 2022 series Best of British By the Sea with Grace Dent and Ainsley’s World Cup Flavours. Other series include My World Kitchen, Gourmet Express, and Great British Food Revival.
He Was a Strictly Come Dancing Contestant
Another of our Ainsley Harriott facts that some people do not know is that the celebrity chef was a contestant in the television dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing. He took part in the thirteenth season of the series and was partnered with professional dancer Natalie Lowe. Harriott finished in the twelfth position after being voted off in week four.
He Has Performed in Theater
Although he is familiar to television viewers, Ainsley Harriott has also performed in theatre. He was the narrator in The Rocky Horror Show, performing in three theatres across the UK in 2010.
Other Ainsley Harriott Facts
He Is Also an Actor
Although people associate Ainsley Harriott’s television appearances with cookery shows, he was an actor for a long time before he hit the screens as a celebrity chef. It is one of the Ainsley Harriott facts that many people do not know. The chef first appeared on television as an extra on Hale & Pace in 1988. He has also had small parts in Davro, Red Dwarf, and The Mark Steel Lectures.
Harriott Has an MBE
Ainsley Harriott was included in the 2020 New Year Honours list for his services to broadcasting and the culinary arts. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
The Chef Saved His Sister from Drowning
Harriott is a hero, as he once saved his sister from drowning. The almost tragedy occurred at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2022. His sister, Jacqueline, fell head first into a narrow water feature that was part of the BBC Studios exhibition garden. Nick Knowles was also involved in rescuing Harriott’s sister from the water.
What Are Ainsley Harriott’s Favourite Foods?
In an interview with Southport Visitor, Ainsley Harriott revealed his favourite foods. For starters, he would choose the Japanese dishes sushi or sashimi. He would then opt for shepherd’s pie for his main course, then a delicious cheesecake with raspberry coulis for dessert.
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