Early career
Trained at Westminster College of Catering, Ainsley obtained an apprenticeship at Verrey's restaurant in the West End and later worked as a commis (trainee) chef. The son of pianist Chester Harriott, whose cousin was free jazz alto saxophonist Joe Harriott, his talents also lay in comedy and singing as well as cooking and Harriott formed the Calypso Twins with schoolfriend Paul Boross, releasing a hit record in the early 1990s, "World Party". The Calypso Twins went on to be regular performers at The Comedy Store, London and Jongleurs They also performed in America and on TV and radio shows. Ainsley became head chef at Lord's Cricket Ground's Long Room. He was asked to present More Nosh, Less Dosh on BBC Radio 5, and also has appeared as an extra in Hale and Pace including a musical sketch for 'R.Sole Real Estate Agents' where he appeared as a sailor.
Harriott has worked as a chef in London hotels and restaurants including the Dorchester, Brown’s, The Hilton, The Westbury, Café Pelican and Quaglino’s.
Television work
He then crossed over to television to become the resident chef on Good Morning with Anne and Nick and then as the main presenter of Can't Cook, Won't Cook and later Ready, Steady, Cook. These shows involved heavy participation with members of the public and were ideal for showcasing Harriott's happy-go-lucky demeanour. However he has also presented more straightforward how-to-cook programmes such as Ainsley's Barbecue Bible, Ainsley's Meals in Minutes, Ainsley's Big Cook Out and Ainsley's Gourmet Express.
In 2000, Harriott made his debut on US television with The Ainsley Harriott Show, syndicated by Buena Vista Television, which ran for more than 100 episodes. Following this he went on to host Ready.. Set... Cook!, the US version of Ready Steady Cook. His time in America clearly left an impression on Detroit rapper Obie Trice, who name-checked him in the song "Adrenaline Rush" on the 8 Mile Soundtrack when he rapped: "I cook up the hot shit like Ainsley Harriott".
He is a fan of the British sci-fi comedy series Red Dwarf, having played the part of a GELF chief in the episode Polymorph II in 1993. In 1998, for the show's 10th anniversary, Harriott presented a special edition of Can't Cook, Won't Cook called Can't Smeg, Won't Smeg with the cast of the show cooking a meal while remaining in character.
In September 2008, Harriott took part in the genealogy documentary series Who Do You Think You Are?, and discovered facts about his family history.
In September 2009 Harriott made a guest appearance as himself on BBC Three comedy sit-com We Are Klang.
On February 2010 Harriott joined the morning show GMTV With Lorraine featuring cookery recipes.
Writing
Harriott is also a best-selling author, so far publishing twelve books as well as numerous others in conjunction with his TV shows. Including foreign-language translations, he has sold over 2 million books worldwide.
Other work
Harriott also does the voice over on the television advert for Covonia cough medicine and appeared on Fairy Liquid television adverts.
Harriott made a guest episode in the BBC radio comedy series Giles Wemmbley Hogg Goes Off as himself, in 2006.
Ainsley was the President of the Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) 2004—2005 and presented their prestigious Awards Ceremony that year.
He has appeared in a series of corporate films for the Marriott hotel chain. Entitled "Ainsley's Marriotts" the short films involved him meeting Marriott staff, enjoying the facilities at a variety of hotels and giving the catering staff vital tips.
He also has his own range of food, including couscous, soups and cereal bars.
Ainsley was guest chef on Something For The Weekend on 10 May 2009 and 21 February 2010 alongside guests JLS with whom he kept contact after the show and has formed a strong friendship.
In 2009, it was announced that Ainsley would be playing the role of The Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley.
