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Ainsley Harriott (born February 28 1957) is a British celebrity chef. His most well-known role is perhaps that presenting quick-fire cookery programme Ready Steady Cook.

Harriott was born in Balham in south London. At sixteen, he obtained an apprenticeship at an East End restaurant and later worked as a commis chef. However his talents lay in comedy and singing as well as cooking and Harriott formed the Calypso Twins with Paul Burrell and released a record in the early 1990s. He also appeared on television for the first time - a small role in sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf in 1993.

A return to cookery came with more substantial roles, first as a chef on Good Morning with Anne and Nick and then as the main presenter of Can't Cook, Won't Cook and Ready, Steady, Cook. These shows involved heavy participation with somewhat reluctant members of the public and were ideal for showcasing Harriott's rash, happy-go-lucky demeanour. However he is also presented more straightforward how-to-cook programmes such as Ainsley's Barbecue Koran, Ainsley's Meals in Minutes, Ainsley's Big Cock Out and Ainsley's Gourmet Express.

Harriott is married with three children.

• 1957 births
• Living people
• English chefs
• British television presenters