If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be. . .

Busy at the farmhouse where I have a cookery academy. Or I would be at my pub, The White Horse at Harpenden.

A phrase I use far too often is. . . It used to be "oooh la la, sacre bleu!" and "unbelievable!" But the one I've used most in my life is, "I'm absolutely, seriously exhausted."

I wish people would take more notice of. . . I'm concerned about the fact that vice is rapidly affecting a vulnerable society. Also people's negligence to many things. I saw some people dump their mattresses and cupboards ruining the countryside. It's a lack of respect.

A common misperception of me is. . . I don't want to blow my trumpet but they say, "He's a very nice man."

I'm not a politician but. . . I guarantee that I, and many of us, have contributed and achieved a lot more and a lot quicker than some of them.

I'm good at. . . Offering before I'm asked.

But I'm very bad at. . . Saying "no".

In moments of weakness I. . . Go to my freezer and get out a frozen meal and put it in the microwave.

The most surprising thing that ever happened to me was. . . When I became a dad. It happened at about two in the morning - I'd just finished work. I was so excited, people thought I was crazy. They wouldn't let me into the hospital. I missed the first hour in the hospital. When we met we were both crying our eyes out. Now 20 years later that same amazing voice is the lead singer/songwriter of the Scenic Drives.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this: It's important not to forget where you come from. Never forget to give back, especially when you're doing well.

Jean-Christophe Novelli appears on 'Saturday Cooks' on ITV1 at 11.30am