Jamie Oliver has candidly spoken about the health challenges his wife Jools continues to face, describing how her neurodiversity shapes their family life in both beautiful and difficult ways.

Appearing on Davina McCall’s Begin Again podcast, the 50-year-old celebrity chef revealed that Jools has chosen to stay out of the spotlight but remains the family’s “rock.” He said: “She’s got incredible instinct, she’s incredibly kind, very funny. I love her to bits. I can’t really talk for her, but she has neurodiversities that make her life really interesting and really challenging.”

The couple, who married in 2000 and share five children, have been together since their teenage years. Jamie recalled first meeting Jools at 18, describing her as “beautiful, pure, natural, quirky and clumsy” with a unique sense of style. He laughed about how builders would call out “fashion, fashion!” when they saw her, baffled by her bold outfits.

Despite the struggles, Jamie stressed his gratitude. “Of course there’s positives, but there’s loads of things that, you know – she makes us the way that we are. And I’m very grateful for Jools… and an amazing mum.”

Earlier this year, Jamie also shared that some of their children are neurodiverse, explaining how he and Jools reflect each night on their kids’ behaviour. “We’ve learnt to understand that their behaviour is because they’re seeing things differently,” he said, adding that this awareness has made them “better parents.”

The Olivers, parents to Poppy (23), Daisy (22), Petal (16), Buddy (14), and River (8), continue to navigate their family life with honesty and humour, balancing challenges with deep appreciation for each other.