Jamie Oliver - Biography

In a nutshell

Beware! Jamie is taking over the UK and we're pretty sure he has the universe in his sights. What's he going to do next? If it isn't a range of pepper grinders it's another book. But even though he's running the risk of getting on our nerves, he's still winning us over with his natural charm.

Jamie learnt his trade when he was brought up in the family pub and it was partly because of this that he decided to train up disadvantaged youngsters in his first restaurant project, Fifteen. It's now a chain helping people all over the world while feeding the people who can afford to eat there. So if you're in London, or Amsterdam, or Melbourne or Cornwall (phew) then feel free to call in ? if you can get a table.

After his series, Naked Chef, made him a household name it wasn't long until Channel 4 had signed him up to show his first foray into 'social broadcasting', Jamie's School Dinners. In a nutshell Jamie tried to convince councils up and down the country to stop selling processed junk and make nicer things like lasagne with hidden vegetables in it. Although it worked for a while, it wasn't long until mothers were shoving crisps under the school fence again...

A true family man, Jamie married Jools in 2000 where, from what we remember, he wore a baby-blue suit. Lovely! They've got two utterly cute daughters, too, named Poppy and Daisy. They have also just welcomed new arrival Petal Blossom Rainbow. Congrats!

If you turn on the TV, sit, and wait, it won't be long until you see Jamie. In no particular order he's been on the following shows ? some his own, some not ? Jamie's School Dinners (see above if you don't believe us), Jamie at Home, Jamie's Kitchen (looks lovely), The Friday Night Project, Jamie's Ministry of Food, Jamie's Return to School Dinners, The Naked Chef, Jamie's Great Italian Escape..... we think you understand. We hear he's currently zooming back and forth to America filming his next show which you'll see in 2009.

Jamie is paying from his own pocket to launch a magazine under his name. It'll feature recipes, interviews, features... you know, magazine things. We just thought we should let you know.

Did you know?

Sainsbury's employed Jamie as their 'face' a few years ago and they almost had a little tiff when he publicly slagged them off for something to do with chickens living in sheds. We think they're friends again now, though.