This much I know: Jamie Oliver, 50

Photograph by Rachel Louise Brown

My childhood was a bit Huckleberry Finn. I grew up in a little Essex village: BMX bikes, rivers, dens, treehouses.

My mum and dad ran a pub-restaurant. My parents, my younger sister and I are very close. Home was bliss, but school was rough. My brain didn’t function the way my teachers taught and I struggled at school. I was formally diagnosed with dyslexia a few months ago.

Having dyslexia diminished my self-esteem at an early age, but I knew I wasn’t stupid or worthless. I was happy, but didn’t have opportunities to be half-decent at anything at school.

My parents’ pub was my school. From the age of 10, I was working in the kitchen. That’s where I learned everything useful in my life.

Having a relationship with the public has helped me be a better person. I’m essentially just a mirror of the public: I’ve done what they’ve asked me to do.

I’m not as brave as people think. Now my sense of public service is high, but there wasn’t an ounce of what you think I am now in the 17-year-old Jamie. I was never political or a campaigner. Never judge yourself on what you think you are.

Making fresh pasta from scratch is like therapy for me: rolling out dough, getting my favourite cutters, making something delicious for the family.

Ten years ago I was driving at night on what I thought was a dual carriageway. In fact, I was actually on a two-way road. I had two seconds between thinking, “That light looks a bit close” and pulling in. I said a few Hail Marys afterwards.

When eating something I really like, I chomp a little too enthusiastically. The sound of my gusto and excitement probably isn’t pleasant, but I can’t help it.

The secret to a happy marriage is the usual stuff: communication; don’t have a chip on your shoulder or hold a grudge. My wife Jools and I celebrated 25 years of marriage this year. I reckon we’ve done all right.

I never thought I’d have five kids, but I have a feeling my wife did. Being a father of five is an amazing privilege, but it’s also chaotic and exhausting.

I don’t know if I’m supposed to be the strict one with the kids: sometimes I have to pretend, and put on a stern voice, but on the inside I’m often laughing.

I like laying tables, picking flowers and sewing: I’m happy darning my own socks with a needle and thread.

Typically I’m very patient, but I do have a temper, and it’s probably not a pretty sight.

Fame has changed the way I view the world. I’ve been to places and seen things most people wouldn’t ever have access to. I’ve met scientists, visited ghettos and war zones and I’ve travelled to islands where people live the longest, most productive lives.

Five years ago, I realised my career has essentially been a study of anthropology.

Jamie Oliver has partnered with Samsung to help consumers save time and money with Samsung’s new kitchen appliance range (samsung.com/uk/jamie-oliver)