Antony Worral Thompson apologises for shoplifting cheese and wine

Celebrity TV chef Antony Worrall Thompson, who was arrested for shoplifting low-value items from Tesco, has apologised for his actions.

Worrall Thompson, who is best known for his appearances in ‘Ready Steady Cook’ and ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here’ in 2003, was caught red-handed on a hidden camera stealing the items from a Tesco store in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.

A camera was set up amid concerns that the famed chef had been stealing from the store five times over a 16-day period.

Worrall Thompson, was arrested on suspicion of theft at the branch and taken to a local police station on Friday.

It is reported that the 60-year-old, of High Wycombe, was cautioned for shop-lifting goods like cheese and bottles of wine from the self-service checkouts by failing to scan the barcodes and then leaving the store with the goods.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “We arrested a man from High Wycombe following a report of shoplifting offences.

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

Worral Thompson has since apologised for his actions. In a statement released on Monday, the celebrity chef said: "I am so sorry for all my recent stupid and irresponsible actions. I am of course devastated for my family and friends, whom I've let down 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."

"Of course, I must also apologise sincerely to Tesco, with whom I'm had a long and genuine working relationship, and to all the staff at the Henley branch, many of whom I've got to know over the years.
Once again, I am so sorry and hopefully in the future I can make amends."

In 2009, Worrall Thompson was forced to close four of his restaurants after his chain AWT Restaurants, went into administration