"We’re just wrestling through”: Jamie Oliver reveals why “tension” in his marriage to wife Jools works

Two years ago, Jamie and Jools Oliver renewed their vows in the Maldives, flanked by their five children. It was a picture-perfect moment and both shared the joy it brought them on Instagram. But in an exclusive interview with Good Housekeeping, Jamie has opened up about the less Instagram-worthy parts of their relationship, insisting that he and Jools are “just wrestling through like anyone else” - and revealing a particular tension in their marriage, which they make work.

"I wouldn’t be the first to say opposites attract," Jamie said of his and Jools’ different personalities. “We get on very well and we genuinely like each other, but we’re also very different. That can create a certain tension, but it also seems to work, and I feel very blessed to have had 25 years."

The pair first met as teenagers at the age of 17, on a double date with Jamie’s friend Jimmy Doherty. It wasn’t until later, of course, that Jamie shot to fame after appearing in a 1999 documentary about his place of work, the River Café. A year on from that documentary, he and Jools were married at All Saints Church in Rickling, Essex.

Now, after 25 years of marriage, Jamie insists that “we’re just wrestling through like anyone else”. It’s important, the December cover star reflected, “not to hold grudges, and to try to communicate as much as possible. Sometimes it doesn’t matter who’s right or wrong and, ultimately, I just want Jools to be happy.”

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As well as the challenges that come with a long marriage, Jamie also spoke about how they approach Christmas – and it seems the pair bicker as much as the next couple in the run-up to the most wonderful - and stressful - time of the year. “You love stuffing,” Jamie declared to a bemused Jools who insisted she “can’t stand stuffing because I hate onions” Jamie’s response? “I said I never put onions in it! I only use the white part of the leeks. I told you that yesterday.”

When it comes to buying gifts, Jamie explained that he’s lost some of his confidence when it comes to buying for Jools. So does he usually get what he wants? “After 25 years, I feel like I’ve used a lot of tricks, and I don’t need anything. I’m just happy with a little kiss”, he said. Still, Jools tends towards sentimental gifts, “Like the jigsaw I got Jamie with our wedding vows on it last year. They were printed on, and it wasn’t expensive, but I was really chuffed with that”, she recalled.

For now, the pair have their sights set on all seven Olivers collapsing into the Christmas season, with the mistletoe hung (“It’s a parasite and we have an abundance of it growing,” laughed Jamie), their wonky tree lovingly decorated, and the family ready for their 5am start (“Even the older kids have to get out of bed for River’s sake”). And one thing’s for sure, Jamie will be doing separate stuffing this year.

Read the full interview in Good Housekeeping UK’s December issue, on sale from 23^rd October. Visit jamieoliver.com/christmas for all your festive recipe needs. Jamie’s Cook-Ahead Christmas airs on Channel 4 on 8 December. Turn the page for Jamie’s get-ahead turkey.