Ainsley Harriott's split from wife of 23 years as he admitted 'still having feelings' for her
Ainsley Harriott, one of Britain's most popular TV chefs, announced his split from wife Clare after a 23-year marriage in 2012. The culinary personality and his spouse mutually decided to part ways, although things remain amicable between the pair.
At the time, a representative for Ainsley, now 67, stated: "Following media speculation, Ainsley and Clare confirm that they are currently living apart."
They added: "Their separation is completely amicable and, as yet, they have no definite plans for the future."
Echoing the respectful nature of their split, the statement continued: "They remain close and, together with their family, they ask that their privacy be respected."
The statement concluded with the words: "They will be making no further comment.", reports the Mirror.
Together, Ainsley and Clare shared a £1million home located in South London and two grown-up children; Jimmy and Maddie.
Being a familiar face on British screens, Ainsley achieved considerable fame on BBC's Good Morning before taking over from Fern Britton as host on Ready Steady Cook in 2000, although the show was subsequently axed in 2010.
In February 2024, he starred in a new five-part series named Ainsely’s Taste of Malta, where he got to experience the culinary delights of the country.
Now Ainsley's back on our screens hosting a new outdoor cooking contest, Ainsley's National Trust Cook Off, set against the backdrop of three of our most stunning National Trust Estates – on Saturday, 18 May at 11.40am on ITV1 and ITVX.
The talented chef once shared his head-over-heels love story about meeting designer Clare in a clothes shop, gushing in one interview: "My wife Clare, she's wonderful. I'm spoiled, but then she gets all those lovely meals cooked for her."
Despite splitting in 2012, Ainsley admitted that he 'still has feelings' for his ex-wife when he spoke to the Mirror in 2020.
He said: "I still have love and feelings for my ex wife, that never stops because she gave me the most important things in my life, and there is a respect there. But everyone moves on, and that’s fine.
"I have a partner now and I’m enjoying having love and getting to share my life with someone, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Although she always says to me, ‘I’d prefer it if you didn’t talk about me, thanks darling’."
Ainsley's new partner remains unknown.
In 2023, Ainsley embarked upon a new chapter as a grandfather, as he announced the birth of his 'beautiful' granddaughter.
The popular TV chef couldn't contain his excitement as he proudly shared the news of the "beautiful baby girl" with his followers on Instagram.
The ex-Ready, Steady, Cook star shared a sweet snap of a tiny newborn hand adorably wrapped around one of his fingers as he shared the heartfelt announcement with his fans.
Ainsley shared his new 'grandad' status in the adorable Instagram post, writing: "I'm very happy to tell you that last week I became a grandad to a beautiful baby girl," followed by the hashtag 'family time'.
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