Woman interview

Jamie Oliver

Jamie oliver has his fingers in so many pies, he needs more hands. The super-chef has just written his 20th cookery book and made a new TV series, he runs his restaurants and he campaigns against childhood obesity. as if that wasn’t overwhelming enough, Jamie has five kids with his wife of 17 years, Jools, to cook for – Poppy, 15, Daisy, 14, Petal, eight, Buddy, six, and one-year-old River. But he’s so energetic, somehow it all gets done, and today Jamie has even carved out time for a chat. over a coffee at his London offices, a demob-happy Jamie – who’s about to go on summer holiday to Cornwall with his brood – is in a talkative mood, telling funny stories about his kids and about his wife’s desire for them to renew their wedding vows…

‘we’ve wanted to renew our wedding vows for ages. I did say we could do it

at 20 years. But Jools said, “I’m going to look like an old thing by then!” So I think maybe next year or the year after. I wasn’t really into it – I thought it was a bit embarrassing – but I helped organise Dexter and Dalia’s [Lock, Stock And Two

Smoking Barrels actor Dexter Fletcher and his wife’s] 20th wedding anniversary this year and it was really lovely. I think, actually, any relationship that lasts over 15 years is well worth celebrating.’

‘Jools might seem like a lady of luxury, but she

works really hard. I try to look after her and be romantic, but sometimes that’s just making her a cup of tea when she’s been busy looking after the kids. There’s so much choice these days about how to live your life – you can work anywhere, stay in touch with people easier, rekindle old flames. There’s more noise than ever, so I’m grateful for where Jools and I have got to.’