Worrall Thompson ‘sorry’ for stealing cheese and wine

The TV chef, who made his name on the cooking gameshow Ready Steady Cook, accepted a caution from police for five shoplifting offences.

According to reports, he went through the self-checkout system to pay for some items, but put several products into shopping bags without scanning them.

Following the arrest, Mr Worrall Thompson apologised for his “stupid and irresponsible actions,” adding that he is “devastated” for his family and friends and will “seek the treatment that is clearly needed”.

“I am not the first, and I certainly won’t be the last person to do something without rhyme or reason – what went through my head, only time will tell,” he said.

Mr Worrall Thompson, a father of four, also apologised to Tesco, with whom he said he had a “long and genuine working relationship” and to the staff at the Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, where he reportedly committed the offences.

Staff at the Tesco store in Henley saw the 60-year-old chef shoplift low value food items on five separate occasions, and then set up a camera to film his actions.

I am not the first, and I certainly won’t be the last person to do something without rhyme or reason – what went through my head, only time will tell. Anthony Worrall Thompson

Shocked customers looked on as Mr Worrall Thompson, who was also a contestant on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, was stopped by guards while leaving the store.

The celebrity chef owns a chain of restaurants, but his business was badly affected by the recession and four restaurants were forced to close in 2009 after his business fell into administration.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “Thames Valley Police arrested a 60-year-old man from High Wycombe following a report of shoplifting offences in Tesco, Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames.

“The man has been issued with a formal caution for these offences.”

A Tesco spokesman said: “It’s a matter for police.”