Channel 4 celebrates one of the nation's favourite chefs in 20 Years of the Naked Chef: Jamie Bares All

18 June 2019

It’s been 20 years since Jamie Oliver exploded onto our screens and into our homes with The Naked Chef and gave culinary culture a radical shake-up. Jamie has changed how we cook and eat over the last two decades, but how has the past 20 years changed him?

Presented by Davina McCall, the documentary highlights memorable Jamie moments from the past two decades: the highs and lows, his accidental discovery at The River Café, his rise to fame as iconic Brit-pop chef, his restless campaigning to improve the food system, and the more recent closure of his much-loved restaurant group.

In 20 Years of The Naked Chef: Jamie Bares All (1x60) Channel 4 gets under the skin of Jamie Oliver and looks back at the rollercoaster of his past 20 years, uncovering emotional revelations and personal insights along the way – showing viewers the true Jamie, as never seen before.

Channel 4 will have exclusive access to Jamie’s life as, for the very first time, he allows cameras into his London home. Davina spends time with him, Jools, and their children – in an honest and intimate snapshot of Oliver family life. 20 Years of The Naked Chef: Jamie Bares All also reveals the inner-workings of his business and gets the inside track on his latest campaigning work.

This intimate documentary features unseen clips, behind-the-scenes footage, plus interviews with as-yet unannounced celebrities and politicians, along with Jamie’s friends and family.

During his time with Davina, Jamie discusses some of his difficult times in the spotlight, and lays bare the truth about being The Naked Chef. He also explains what motivates him, as he outlines his vision for the future and how he would like to spend the next 10 years.

20 Years of The Naked Chef: Jamie Bares All catches up with students who appeared on Jamie’s Kitchen and Jamie’s School Dinners and looks at how food culture has changed since 1999. It tracks how The Naked Chef helped get men back into the kitchen, the rising popularity of cooking, and the increasingly shocking statistics of childhood obesity today. 

20 Years of The Naked Chef: Jamie Bares All was commissioned by Channel 4 Factual Entertainment commissioning editor Timothy Hancock. Produced by Jamie Oliver Productions with executive producer Nicola Pointer.

Jamie Oliver says: “Wow, 20 years. So much has happened in that time. Davina is a brave woman to come and get a taste of life with five kids in the Oliver household! But it’s been a pleasure to welcome her in and show her what my world is really like, at home and work. I hope everyone enjoys looking back with me at the past two decades, remembering the amazing times and some tough times… not to mention a few dodgy haircuts along the way.”

Tim Hancock comments: “At this crucial point in his life, Jamie has allowed unprecedented access to his life, and has opened up to Davina with a real honesty. It’s going to make for a fascinating documentary about one of Britain’s most recognisable personalities."