Quotes from Ainsley Harriott

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.

I used to take vitamins, but I think diet is the most important thing. If you have a good diet, there's no need for that stuff.

It's my nature to be happy, and food is something I'm passionate about.

My Mum was the main reason why I became a chef. She influenced all of my family to feel free in the kitchen - it was the centre of our home and I have wonderful memories of helping Mum cook and experiencing the love and patience that went into the food.

Performing has always been instinctive to me. I remember people saying, 'he doesn't know if he's a chef or an entertainer.' But what's wrong with being both? It's like saying you can't run the 100 and the 200 metres.

I think what balances me out more than anything is long walks and eating well.

I've lost both my parents and I don't think you ever get used to it.

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

Give that meat a good ol' rub

I've propelled myself into the media world and I've been able to get my style of cooking across with my personality.

I'm a warm person and I like people to feel comfortable - if they're comfortable they're going to relax, cook and feel good.

I'm all about big, bold flavours! Roasts! Cheese! But I do like a neat work surface.

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.

I dislike anger so much, I even find it difficult watching 'EastEnders.'

I do feel that over the years from watching programmes that tell people 'you're not good enough,' I just don't like it.

In my 20s, I was body surfing in Spain and the current dragged me out. I was waving at my friends who thought I was messing about, but I was drowning. I managed to swim in on my back but it scarred me.

People must plan their meals better.

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

We were brought up with having a love of your garden, having somewhere you can go in, it's your little sanctuary, you can go there and you can switch off.

The great thing about coming to Melbourne is that people talk about Sydney being the food capital but Melbourne is a lot more; it has that residential feel, a feeling of homeliness. When you go to restaurants, it's known as a creative, artistic city. That's what you get with the food.

I very much consider myself British.

Everybody's got the ability to cook. They just have to be shown.

Every cookbook can be a bit patronising.

I must admit that I do love to dance, but doing it in front of the nation is a whole different matter!