Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has spoken candidly about the public criticism his wife faced for her unconventional fashion sense and revealed a 'challenging' aspect of her life related to neurodiversity.
The 'Odd Dresser' and Essex Backlash
During an appearance on Davina McCall's Begin Again podcast, the Naked Chef star reflected on his early relationship with wife Juliette Norton, known as Jools, whom he married in June 2000. Jamie, who shares five children with Jools - Poppy, Daisy Boo Pamela, Petal Blossom Rainbow, Buddy Bear Maurice, and River Rocket Blue Dallas - described his wife as 'incredibly kind' and 'very funny', touchingly adding that he loves her 'to bits'.
He revealed that when they first met at age 18, Jools stood out immediately for her unique style. 'She was always the odd dresser,' Jamie told Davina. 'She wore really cool clothes, like bonkers stuff that, really, our part of Essex wasn't really ready for.'
The chef explained that her fashion choices prompted significant backlash in their community, with people 'taking the p*** out of her' for her distinctive outfits.
Neurodiversity in the Oliver Family
In a particularly revealing moment, Jamie discussed how neurodiversity has shaped their family life. 'I can't really talk about it for her,' he said carefully, 'but she has neurodiversities that make her life really interesting and really challenging, and of course there's positives.'
This revelation follows Jamie's disclosure in June that their family is 'very neurodiverse', with multiple children receiving diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and dyslexia. In his Sunday Times Magazine interview, he explained how understanding these differences has transformed their parenting approach.
'We've learnt to understand that their behaviour is because they're seeing things differently,' Jamie revealed, noting that this awareness helps them be 'better parents'.
From Criticism to Trendsetting
Despite the initial criticism Jools faced for her fashion choices, Jamie noted with pride that her style often became trendsetting. He claimed that within months of people mocking her outfits, 'they would all be wearing it'.
The chef recalled how 'geezers on building sites would shout "fashion" as they went past', acknowledging his wife's innate style. 'She is very cool,' he affirmed, highlighting how Jools' confidence in her choices eventually won over her critics.
Jamie described their current family life as 'amazing but bonkers', painting a vivid picture of 'four neurodiverse people at the dinner table trying to get their point across'.
Fans can next catch Jamie Oliver on Saturday Kitchen Live on BBC One on Saturday, November 29, from 10am to 11.30am.
