Now, everyone is excited about food - cooking, growing, learning - watching it on TV, buying books, trying things at home. It's the greatest time ever to be in food - which is why it's so hard to see so many people still relying on processed food. I am hoping that we had a generational blip - and that these young people will continue on and pass on their love of food and creativity to the next generation of kids.

Industry, economy, honesty and kindness form a quartet of virtue that will never be improved upon.

I hate making TV documentaries.

In England, you're allowed to have an opinion - as long as it comes out of your mouth.

I think authenticity is important whichever homeland you're from but one of the lovely things about British cooking is that we adopt great food and dishes from all of the lovely people who come from overseas to live in our country. We're a magpie nation - we take the best bits of other cuisines and embrace them as our own.

But I read Catching Fire. I loved disappearing into a story.

I like ties but I prefer not to wear one when I'm nervous.