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Ainsley Harriott (born February 28 1957) is a British celebrity chef. His most well-known role is perhaps that of presenting the 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 Boross and released a record in the early 1990s. He also appeared on television for the first time, in a small role in the sci-fi comedy series 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 has also presented more straightforward how-to-cook programmes such as Ainsley's Barbecue Bible, Ainsley's Meals in Minutes, Ainsley's Big Cook Out and Ainsley's Gourmet Express.

Harriott's wife, Clare, was a costume designer. They have three children.

Trivia

• Is good friends with fellow celebrity chefs Antony Worrall Thompson, Jamie Oliver and Gary Rhodes.
• Was the first black chef to host his own cookery show on the BBC.
• Has cooked for the Prince of Wales, as well as celebrities Robbie Williams and Nigel Mansell.
• Is 6' 4" (1.93 m) tall
• Is an ex-Wimbledon ballboy
• He supports Arsenal Football Club
• His favourite food is beans
• His dog's name is Oscar

• Articles which may contain original research
• 1957 births
• Living people
• English chefs
• British television presenters