Celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson arrested for shoplifting from Tesco

The Ready Steady Cook star, 60, was cautioned by police after he was caught stealing from the Tesco store in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

The former I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! contestant, whose restaurant business has been hit by the recession, was caught while using a self-scanning till on Friday, January 6.

According to a newspaper, a camera had been set up after he was spotted by staff not paying for some low-value items on a total of five occasions. He was stopped by guards leaving the store in front of shoppers.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “Thames Valley Police arrested a 60-year-old man from High Wycombe following a report of shoplifting offences in Tesco, Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames.

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

A Tesco spokesman said: “It’s a matter for police.”

In a message on his website, Worrall Thompson 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.”