Thompson: 'Women want to mother me'

Antony Worrall Thompson has admitted that he is baffled by his large female fanbase.

The celebrity chef confirmed that he has become a housewives' favourite since finding fame on Ready Steady Cook in the '90s, with women still stopping him on the street every time he goes out.

Speaking to Waitrose Food Illustrated, he commented: "When it all started, there were people wanting autographs and stopping me in the supermarket, and I thought: 'My God, what's it all about?'

"Then women would ask me to sign their breasts and I'd think: 'Eh?'

"I couldn't understand it and still can't because I am the opposite of any telly presenter. I'm short and fat and have a smashed-up face. I put it down to people wanting to mother me."

Worrall Thompson was forced to let 60 of his staff members go earlier this year after his business empire was hit by the credit crunch.