FOOD TVJean-Christophe Novelli

Michellin-starred chef Jean Christophe Novelli tells about us about turning teacher in his new show, Chef Academy

Jean Christophe Novelli is used to adoration. With his heavy, French accent and brooding stare, he was once voted the ‘world’s sexiest chef.’ So the former Hell’s Kitchen star was a little miffed when he went Stateside to try and help American students cook.

"No one knew who I was!" he says disbelievingly. "The Americans didn’t know me; they hadn’t heard of Marco Pierre White – they hadn’t even heard of Jonathan Ross! So I cooked them a meal, which got their interest, and they were soon YouTube-ing me and changed their attitude. They eventually decided all Frenchmen and I were charming. Huh, I disagree…"

While the students were quick to fall for Jean Christophe’s charms, it took a while for the Michelin-starred chef to warm to them, as you’ll see in his new show, Chef’s Academy, which starts this week on Good Food.

The Frenchman, who moved to Britain in 1983 and runs the wildly successful Novelli Academy Cookery School from his Hertfordshire home, heads over the pond to set up a similar Academy in California. But he locks ladles with some of the wannabe chefs hoping to learn from the great master.

"American students are more laid back than Brits, which was an issue because I’m very disciplined" he says. "One turned up looking scruffy, wearing sunglasses, going, 'Hey Maaan!' I put a stop to that. Another girl turned up with champagne, which I chucked in the bin. She wanted to get her nails done so I threw her out! She was wasting my time, she was no asset to cooking."

From preparing bread to gutting a fish, the students must pass Jean Christophe’s tests or be dismissed from the Academy. Ultimately, he just wants to teach people the value of healthy eating.

"Ever since becoming a father again to my son, Jean Frank, who’s almost two, it’s made me want to look after myself better,"says the chef, who also has a daughter, Christina, 24. "I want to be around to see my kids grow up and it’s healthy eating – fresh, simple food – that’ll keep us all alive longer."

Jean Christophe, who shares his favourite chicken recipe turns 50 next year and has a pretty special present in mind for himself…

"I want to marry my fiancee, Michelle! That’ll be the best gift to myself," he says, revealing that he’s asked best pal, Marco Pierre White, to be his best man.

"I’ve known Marco 24 years so he’ll have plenty to say, but I’m not worried," smiles Jean Christophe. "He looks scary on TV, but he’s a pussycat. Although he does keep asking, 'Are you sure you want me to be best man?' Maybe I should be worried!"

FOOD TVRecipe

Full Recipe: Jean Christophe's casserole of curried chicken