Oliver denies plans to buy Little Chef

TV chef Jamie Oliver has denied that he plans to buy Little Chef after reports earlier today suggested his production company was in talks over making a £20m bid for the troubled roadside restaurant chain.

Fresh One Productions was said to considering a takeover of Little Chef to include the group in a new reality TV programme.

However, a spokesman said there was no truth to the reports.

"Fresh One did have an early conversation but decided no further progress would be necessary. The idea that Fresh One had in mind did not involve Jamie Oliver," he said.

Little Chef collapsed into administration in January this year after reportedly losing up to £3m per year in sales.

The 235-strong chain was bought by catering entrepreneurs Lawrence Wosskow and Simon Heath for £52m in October 2005.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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