July 3rd 2024.
Famed television personality Ainsley Harriott recently opened up about the impact of being hailed as a 'national treasure' on his personal life, particularly his marriage. The 67-year-old chef has become a household name through his hosting roles on popular cooking game shows such as Can't Cook, Won't Cook and Ready Steady Cook. He has also appeared on other shows like Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 and The Masked Singer in 2023.
However, despite his successful career, Ainsley believes that his public profile may have contributed to the breakdown of his marriage to his wife of 23 years, Clare Fellows. In a candid conversation on Rylan Clark's podcast, How to be in the Spotlight, Ainsley shared his thoughts on being labeled a 'national treasure' and how it affected his relationship.
"It's others who put you in that category, you don't put yourself there. You're not someone who brings negativity, you're someone who brings a smile," he shared. "Most of the time, people approach me with warmth and kindness, even if they accidentally bump into me with their supermarket trolley. They still bring a tomato and a pepper and ask, 'what are you going to do with this?' and I always have a little moment with them."
Ainsley also acknowledged the challenges that come with being in the public eye and the impact it had on his marriage. "I think it's difficult for partners. It was certainly difficult for my ex and I think that probably contributed to our break-up because you are sharing the person you love with the world all the time, and that can be hard," he shared.
In 2020, Ainsley was honored with an MBE for his contributions to broadcasting and the culinary arts. However, he also admitted that the constant pressure to maintain his upbeat persona while dealing with personal struggles was not easy. "Because I was so natural, if I felt a little bit down, the public could see it and feel it. But at the same time, I was doing a show that required me to be energetic and upbeat," he explained.
Despite the challenges, Ainsley found comfort in the support of his friends and family during this difficult time. "I never turned to drugs or alcohol, but I did some sports like tennis. And I had support without even realizing it. My friends would come over for a chat or I would go to their place for a meal. It was just having some company," he shared.
In a 2020 interview with The Mirror, Ainsley also expressed his continued love and respect for his ex-wife. "I will always have love and feelings for my ex-wife. She gave me the most important things in my life, and there is a respect there. But everyone moves on, and that's fine," he said.
Despite the ups and downs, Ainsley remains grateful for his successful career and the support of his loved ones. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, feel free to share them with The Agency entertainment team by emailing us or visiting our Submit Stuff page. We would love to hear from you.
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