TV chef Oliver a 'strict' father

The TV celebrity chef Jamie Oliver – whose wife Jools is currently pregnant with their fourth child – makes his three young daughters do chores so they don’t take things for granted, a skill he learnt from his own father.

He explained: “I’m tough. I’m a fairly strict dad. They all give me lip but I like children that learn how to work early. Even at five and six, getting them to clear the table and put things away and wash up, and just be helpful and contribute, is important. You can see when your kids are starting to take things for granted a bit, so basically I’ve just turned into my father.

“We went for a Saturday lunch at my dad’s pub the other day and my dad got the girls waitressing – it was hilarious. Talk about blast from the past - and they were really good at it.”

The 34-year-old star is thrilled about being a father again when Jools gives birth later this year, but is also enjoying watching his girls - Poppy, seven, Daisy, six, and 11-month-old Petal – growing up.

He explained: “Daisy says she wants to be a chef, so you never know. It makes me feel lovely.

“Poppy wants to be a vet. I’m sure it’ll change every month for the next few years.

“Petal is the cutest, happiest child. We’re very lucky. We think she’s a little gift.”