Andi Oliver Reflects on School Racism Experience

Andi Oliver has opened up about the tough time she faced at school, recalling how she was 'the only black girl' and was bullied and subjected to racism.

The chef, 63, who was born in London but spent part of her childhood in Cyprus, said that when she returned to England in the seventies, she found herself isolated and targeted by classmates.

Speaking to The Times in a new interview, she said: 'It was cold and dark, and I started having nightmares.

'I had a really tough time at school. I was the only black girl, and I was bullied and subjected to racism. 

The TV star, who first appeared on screen in the Nineties, said one of the most 'insidious' aspects of the bullying was that part of her felt as though it was her own fault.

She added that she 'internalised it for a long time' and kept the ordeal from her parents because she felt 'humiliated' and 'ashamed'.

Andi is best known for her appearances on the hit BBC cooking show, Great British Menu. 

She is also the author of the successful cookbook, The Pepperpot Diaries: Stories From My Caribbean Table, published in 2023. 

Andi was born in Paddington, London and was brought up in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, from the age of 10. 

Her father served in the Royal Air Force, while her mother taught at a primary school in Honington, Suffolk. 

Andi's latest interview comes after she.

The Great British Menu host told Good Housekeeping that she isn't 'ashamed' to admit she used the skinny jab to help her shed the excess weight after she lost three stone with ' training and diet'.   

'I’ve lost five stone in four-and-a-half years; I lost the first three with Peloton training and diet, and the last two with Mounjaro,' Andi said.  

'The jab was brilliant for me – I can’t recommend it enough, and I’m not ashamed of it.'