Ainsley Harriott: Wife, Split, and What He’s Doing Now

Ainsley Harriott’s infectious laugh and signature catchphrases made him a household name in Britain, but his marriage and personal life remain less known. He’s been a fixture on British television since the late 1980s, yet fans are more curious about his marriage and what he’s up to now.

Born: 28 February 1957 ·
Birthplace: London, England ·
Occupation: Chef, television presenter ·
Known for: Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook; Ready Steady Cook ·
Honours: MBE (2021)

Six key biography facts, one pattern: Ainsley Harriott’s life divides cleanly into a private marriage and a public career — but the two crossed paths in ways that reshaped both.

Did Ainsley Harriott split from his wife?

• He married Clare Fellows in 1989 (Wikipedia).
• They separated in 2012 after 23 years of marriage (Wikipedia).
• Two children: Jimmy and Maddie (The Sun).

Who is Ainsley Harriott’s ex-wife?

Clare Fellows married Harriott in 1989. She is a former make-up artist and largely stays out of the public eye. In 2024, The Independent (UK newspaper) reported that Harriott credited his “national treasure” status with contributing to the marriage breakdown.

When did the split occur?

The couple separated in 2012, according to Wikipedia. A Digital Spy (entertainment news) report also confirms the separation after 23 years. The divorce itself has not been given a precise date in reliable sources.

What led to the separation?

Harriott has spoken candidly about the pressure of fame. He told Digital Spy that his ex-wife “gave me the most important things in my life”. The same report says he remains on good terms with her.

What’s Ainsley Harriott doing now?

• Hosting ‘Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook’ on ITV (Wikipedia).
• Presented ‘Ainsley’s Food We Love’ (2020–2022) (Wikipedia).
• Active on Instagram with 50K+ followers (Instagram (social media)).

What TV shows is Ainsley Harriott currently on?

In 2025, his series ‘Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook’ continues on ITV, and he frequently appears as a guest on daytime programmes. His 2020–2022 series ‘Ainsley’s Food We Love’ aired on ITV and Amazon Prime, according to Wikipedia.

Is Ainsley Harriott still cooking on TV?

Yes. He remains a regular presence on ITV and social media, sharing recipes and “Ainsley’s Fantastic Flavours” products via his Instagram account.

What business does he run?

Harriott launched the ‘Ainsley Food Company’, which includes a line of seasoning blends and cookbooks. The brand is promoted through his social channels and ITV appearances.

Is Ainsley Harriott in a relationship?

• He has not publicly confirmed a current partner.
• Rumours of a younger girlfriend remain unsubstantiated.
• He told The Sun in 2020 that he still “had love and feelings” for his ex-wife.

Does Ainsley Harriott have a girlfriend?

No credible source has named a current romantic partner. The chef’s public appearances are focused on cooking events and TV work.

Is he dating anyone?

While some tabloids have speculated about a relationship with a younger woman, no named source or photograph has substantiated the claim. Wikipedia notes that he remains on good terms with his ex-wife, but does not mention a new partner.

Has he remarried?

No. Harriott has not remarried since his separation from Clare Fellows.

Is Ainsley Harriott nice?

• Widely described as warm and cheerful by colleagues (WalesOnline (regional news)).
• No major scandals in his career.
• Respected by peers and audiences alike.

What do colleagues say about Ainsley Harriott?

Producers from his BBC days recall his professionalism and good humour. WalesOnline notes that he is regarded as one of the most cheerful figures in British television.

“He was always professional and good-humoured,” recalls a former BBC producer.

– WalesOnline

Has he been involved in controversies?

His career is notable for its absence of scandal. The closest to controversy is the frank discussion of his divorce — which he handled openly in interviews.

What is his reputation?

Harriott is considered a “national treasure” by many UK outlets, according to The Independent. That reputation has been earned over three decades of warm, inclusive television.

“She gave me the most important things in my life.”

– Ainsley Harriott on his ex-wife, to Digital Spy (Digital Spy)

In a 2020 interview with The Sun, Harriott expressed that he still had love and feelings for his ex-wife.

How many times has Ainsley been married?

• Once — to Clare Fellows in 1989.
• They separated in 2012 and later divorced.
• No subsequent marriages.

Was Ainsley married more than once?

No. All credible sources agree on one marriage, to Clare Fellows. Wikipedia and Digital Spy both list the marriage from 1989 to separation in 2012.

Did he have a long-term partner before marriage?

Nothing publicly known. Harriott’s pre-marriage relationships have not been documented in reliable sources.

Is he divorced?

Yes, though the exact court date remains unconfirmed. The separation was in 2012, and subsequent press reports treat the couple as divorced.

The picture that emerges is one of a genuinely private man in a very public job. For the fan asking “Is Ainsley Harriott nice?” — the evidence says yes. For those wondering what he’s doing now — he’s still cooking, still smiling, and still keeping his personal life very much his own.