Ainsley Harriott's joy at more black people on TV - after he broke down barriers as first black chef to make it on to the television

Ainsley Harriott's joy at more black people on TV - after he broke down barriers as first black chef to make it on to the television By KATIE HIND Published: 00:50, 17 November 2024 | Updated: 00:50, 17 November 2024 e-mail View comments 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.

’ As the first black chef to make it on to the television, Ainsley Harriott is regarded within the industry as somewhat of a trailblazer 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, no.