Ainsley Harriott has worked every Christmas Day for "years and years."
The 59-year-old celebrity chef has admitted he never gets a moment’s rest – even over the festive period and new year – because he’s constantly tied to the kitchen for work.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz, he said: "There is something really special, after working in the catering industry, weekends are key, you’re working all the time. For years and years, I’ve worked every Christmas and New Years."
However, when he does have a bit of time off, the culinary genius makes sure he thoroughly enjoys it and completely switches off from any kind of work for a few hours.
He explained: "When I have a bit of free time, I like to invite friends round for brunch. It’s really lovely."
And, with that in mind, Ainsley can understand why James Martin decided to quit ‘Saturday Kitchen’ earlier this year.
He said: "People don’t realise, James might have just given it up but he’s not given up because it was a matter of turning up on a Saturday morning, you’re whole week is spent dedicated to making that show work and that’s why it’s a success."
James announced he was leaving the weekend show, which he has fronted for 10 years, so that he could have his Friday nights back and enjoy Saturday morning lie ins.
Ainsley Harriott works every Christmas
