Quotes

I don't iron my underwear and socks, but I like things to be organised.

I like a bit of chocolate as much as the next person, but cheese is a complete world on its own. The sheer variety is staggering and there's always going to be a cheese to tickle your taste buds.

In London, you can visit, in a way, every part of the globe within the span of a few streets. It's truly amazing and, whatever your mood, you're sure to find something to your taste.

Food is an integral part of Caribbean life - it's diverse just like Caribbean culture, with flavour influences from India, Europe, China, South America and Africa.

To me, Caribbean food is about fresh, seasonal produce - using what's in season to create vibrant and great tasting food. The spicing is also important. A dish doesn't necessarily need to be hot, but spice is important to the flavour.

Honey's just not honey. There's so many different varieties, so many different flavours.

I love energy, I love to give people energy, I love to feed off energy - it makes me happy.

I have a young heart.

People know that when they watch an Ainsley programme or get an Ainsley book it's going to be something that is approachable and something that is achievable and ultimately something that is rewarding.

You don't realise until you do 'Strictly' how obsessed people are.

If you want to go way way back, then I'm Scottish. My great great grandfather was Scottish, James Gordon Harriott, and a white Scotsman too.

I sometimes wish I was 10 years younger.

I'm a classic cheddar man, I really do like it, though I don't mind a good Stilton or blue cheese.

Bread's so important for me, it makes such a difference. I like it with a lovely bit of cheese on it, sometimes just with butter, or with some fresh soup.

A typical Sunday meal will be brunch at 11 A.M. I'll probably do muffins, proper scrambled eggs and sweetcorn fritters, which the kids love. Kedgeree's another thing I like, and if any of the West Indian family are over, definitely ackee and saltfish.

The decline of the Sunday meal is a major concern because it means that family values are being forgotten. Once that creeps into mealtimes, it will begin creeping into other areas.

I think anything is good that introduces food to people and brings food to people.

So I've got mates I've known since I was five years old. Their children know my children. There's something really lovely about it. When you're an immigrant - my parents were immigrants, their brothers and sisters lived all over the world, Florida, Jamaica, some in Europe - it's a grounding thing. That community is critical.

When we talk about foodies, we're talking about less than five per cent of the population who eat nicely. For most people it's just fuel: 'I gotta feed the kids.'

You can eat interestingly without having to spend a lot of money, with a little bit of preparation.

I want to have a relationship with my kids. I want them to be free with me, to have a good relationship.

I was one of those that didn't so much go to the discos or the clubs to drink. I went with a towel around my neck. I was ready to sweat!

I want to help others smile and be kind as often as possible.

There have been times when, as a chef, I've bawled at staff because something's not quite right. But later I'd reflect and feel guilty.

Shouting on TV feels like it almost gives viewers licence to do it in real life.