Novelli: 'I'm uncomfortable with fame'

Jean-Christophe Novelli has admitted that he is becoming a recluse after struggling to deal with public attention.

The celebrity chef raised his profile by appearing on Hell's Kitchen alongside Gary Rhodes in 2005. He later competed in X Factor: Battle Of The Stars for charity.

Discussing the impact of his reality TV stints, Novelli told Take 5 magazine: "I don't feel comfortable with it. I don't go out anymore. I'm quite reserved, believe it or not.

"Sometimes people overdo it, not just women. I was on a plane one time with two stag parties. They went f***ing crazy on me, excuse my French.

"I love where I am, and I love this country very much. But it can be difficult sometimes, especially if you are tired. I wish I could just pick my nose and not worry about being seen."

Marco Pierre White was confirmed as Novelli's Hell's Kitchen replacement in 2007. He has since starred in two series of the ITV1 programme.