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So can the tables be turned and more importantly, can John handle heat of the Indian kitchen? We put him under pressure to respond to the questions below.

What is your favourite dish?

Probably the lamb curry made by my son Christopher. He taught me all I know about how to make a decent curry ... thought sadly not quite enough. He's an expert and I'm not.

What do you feel is your signature dish?

Probably roast lamb with fresh mint sauce and (in season) spinach cooked with stinging nettle leaves.

How do you relax? Any pass times or hobbies?

Walking, reading, playing tennis with my smallest child. I'll probably stop doing that when he can beat me - which won't be much longer!

What’s your foodie weakness?

Crisps. I love them and could eat a big bag ever day.

What is your motto?

Keep buggering on.

What’s for lunch?

Mackerel.

What's on your plate?

I'm always doing a dozen things at once - including Today and Mastermind and running my charity (the Kitchen Table Charities Trust) and writing books. My latest is also the most light-hearted: Blue Skies and Black Olives.