Jamie: King of the Kitchen-Plates

A young Jamie gets a feel for his new hat at the Time Out Food and Drink Awards.

The Cricketers pub in Clavering, Essex, run by Jamie’s dad, Trevor. Jamie spent much of his childhood at the pub, where he started helping out in the kitchens aged eight.

An ambitious Jamie was eventually to have his own chain of restaurants.

Launching the video of his show Pukka Tukka.

A taste of success. Jamie sampling his own book, Jamie’s Great Britain, in Germany.

Jamie and Jools first met at school, aged 17 and 16 respectively. The couple have been together ever since.

Jamie’s interests extend beyond the kitchen. Playing the drums in his band, Scarlet Division, and catching some waves in Newquay.

An ecstatic Jamie and Jools on their happy day in 2000. Jamie designed the menu for the reception, using only ingredients that were in season at the time.

Jamie and Jools were delighted to welcome their new baby, Poppy Honey Rosie Oliver, into the world in 2002.

A family man.

Jamie, Jools and a one-year-old Poppy Honey with baby Daisy Boo Pamela Oliver in 2003.

A boy to add to the brood: Buddy Bear Maurice Oliver was born in 2010.

The happy parents in 2009 with Petal Blossom Rainbow Oliver.

The never-ending pasta-making machine! Lovely jubbly.

Jamie’s success in the kitchen has made him a household name and the go-to
chef when you’re in need of a solid recipe.

Finding time to fundraise.

Having fun with Chef Delia Smith at the annual Jamie Oliver Foundation fundraiser in 2010.

Supporting Red Nose Day in 2001.

Jamie’s not afraid to poke fun while raising awareness. A ‘fat’ Jamie promoting his Back to School Dinners television programme in 2006.

The 2005 National TV Awards was a cause of celebration for Jamie after winning the Special Recognition Award and Best Factual Programme for Jamie’s School Dinners.

Getting further recognition for Jamie’s School Dinners in 2006. Jamie posing with his BAFTA for Best Factual Series.

Jamie takes the time to relax at his flagship Fifteen restaurant in London.

Jamie on the beach with his trainee chefs at the third Fifteen restaurant in Cornwall.

Jamie giving his verdict on school dinners in his battle to change kids’ diets for the better in Jamie’s School Dinners.

Spreading the word and the food: dishing out healthy school dinners in Leicester Square, London.

Rubbing shoulders with royalty – and not for the first or last time! The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall listen to Jamie, accompanied by his favourite dinner lady, Norah Sands.

Jamie’s role as guardian angel of our children’s health is complete, as he meets with Tony Blair, then Prime Minister, to secure a new funding package for school dinners.