Facts about Ainsley Harriott
By Ronita Duta
From singing to stripteases, there’s certainly more to TV’s most flamboyant chef than meets the eye.
The Calypso Twins
Before his career as a TV chef took off, Ainsley was part of a comedy double act known as The Calypso Twins who released a hit single called ‘World Party’. They performed regularly at The Comedy Store and Jongleurs in London.Headaches
Strange but true: Harriott doesn’t eat cucumber or unripe melon since both give him a headache.Can't Smeg...
A born performer, Ainsley’s first ever television appearance was on the cult sci-fi comedy series Red Dwarf in 1993 where he played a GELF chief in the episode Emohawk: Polymorph II. He returned in 1998 for the show's 10th anniversary, this time as himself to present a spoof show entitled ‘Can't Smeg, Won't Smeg’.Products
Ainsley has written twelve best selling books which have sold over 2 million copies worldwide. He also has his own range of products and kitchen essentials.Melons man
Ainsley claims the worst job he ever had was when he was asked to make 1,500 melon boats with cherries on top.Peeling...
In 1998, he performed the striptease from the classic movie The Full Monty to raise money for BBC charity Children In Need.Who Do You Think You Are?
In September 2008, Ainsley took part in the BBC genealogy documentary series Who Do You Think You Are?, where he made the difficult discovery that his great-great-grandfather, James Gordon Harriott, wasn't a black slave as he had thought, but the descendant of a long line of white slave owners.Litter bugs
One of Ainsley’s pet hates is people who drop rubbish, “I have been known to chase after people and say, 'Sorry, but you've forgotten something', and then hand it back to them,” says the litter conscious presenter.Stress
When life gets stressful, Ainsley enjoys nothing more than a long walk and a good meal to balance his mood. He also plays tennis to keep in shape.Top nosh
During the course of his illustrious career the larger than life cook has been a chef at famous hotels including The Dorchester, Brown’s, The Hilton, The Westbury, Café Pelican and Quaglino’s.No Grubs
Ainsley claims the worst thing he has ever eaten is a Witchetty grub in Australia.Galloping...
Aside from his mum, Ainsley’s first ever cooking hero was Scottish TV chef Graham Kerr, the Galloping Gourmet. “I remember coming home from school and sitting down to watch him time and time again.”The Gunners
A massive Arsenal football club fan, the charismatic chef goes to see the Gunners play as often as he can.Comfort
Ainsley’s all time favourite comfort food is his mum's red bean stew.Promo Banner