Ainsley Harriott

English chef, entertainer and television host Ainsley Harriott was born in Paddington, London. His father was a pianist. After secondary school, Harriott attended Westminster Kingsway College and later became an apprentice at Verrey's, a restaurant in London's West End. He eventually worked there as a commis chef. In addition to cooking, Harriott was a singer and a comedic performer, and formed a musical act called "The Calypso Twins." They released an album in the early 1990s and performed in comedy clubs in the U.S. and the U.K. Soon thereafter, Harriott became the head chef at the Long Room of Lord's Cricket Ground. Harriott soon expanded into media, hosting "More Nosh, Less Dosh" on BBC Radio 5 Live, and eventually becoming the resident chef on the series "Good Morning with Anne and Nick" and "Can't Cook, Won't Cook." In addition to these series, Harriott has hosted his own cooking instruction programs, including "Ainsley's Meals in Minutes", "Ainsley's Big Cook Out", and "Ainsley's Gourmet Express." In 2000 Harriott debuted on American television in the series "The Ainsley Harriott Show" (Syndicated 2000). He then hosted "Ready Set Cook!" (Food Network, 2000-21). In September 2015 Harriott appeared on the 13th season of the British series "Strictly Come Dancing". Harriott was paired with Natalie Lowe and was the 4th contestant to be voted off the show.