Ainsley Harriott's joy at more black people on TV

As the first black chef to make it on to the television, Ainsley Harriott is regarded within the industry as somewhat of a trailblazer.

Now 30 years on, the 67-year-old has welcomed the increased on-screen diversity, saying it is ‘wonderful’.

He also praised the media world for normalising the transition for the next generation – including his daughter Maddie, 32.

Harriott told The Mail on Sunday: ‘For us it’s different because we grew up without it. And now it’s there. There’s gradually been change, not only in TV commercials, but in dramas, and it’s a reflection of everyday life.

‘For the older generation, it’s a bit of a surprise, but for the younger generation we’re normalising it. I think it’s wonderful, and it’s a real positivity – and long may it last!’ 

He added: ‘My daughter’s a young woman in her 30s, and she turned round and said “Dad, it’s not for you, it’s for the next generation”. It slowly becomes normal.’

Revealing that in his younger years, he experienced ‘adversity’ when he went for jobs, he added: ‘There were some who didn’t want a black chef fronting their restaurants and you had to deal with that.’

For Harriott – whose new cookbook, Taste Of Cricket, celebrates diversity and inclusion in the sport – things changed when television came knocking.

He said: ‘When that came along it was the perfect opportunity to lay a platform.

‘There was youth coming through, not only black people, but chefs coming through that a black kid, a person of colour, could identify with that and make them feel a lot more positive about being in the industry and having the opportunities. 

It’s happening in football and in cricket. It’s fabulous when you go to a match, everyone is getting on and they just want to win.

‘It doesn’t matter what colour you are or where you’re from. It’s not about the colour of your skin.

‘It’s all about the sport and that feeling of being part of a team, being part of something that brings people together.’