TV chef 'sorry' for shoplifting cheese and wine

A British celebrity television chef apologised on Monday for being "stupid and irresponsible" after he was arrested for shoplifting cheese and wine from a supermarket.

Antony Worrall Thompson, 60, who stars in the show "Ready, Steady, Cook", was cautioned by police after he was caught at theTesco store in the upmarket town of Henley-on-Thames, west of London.

In a message on his website, he 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."

Worrall Thompson apologised to Tesco, the world's third-largest retailer, saying that they had had a "long and genuine working relationship", and to staff at his local branch.

Thames Valley Police confirmed they had issued a 60-year-old man with a formal caution after reports of shoplifting offences.

Tesco said it was a matter for the police.

The Sun newspaper said he was caught on a hidden camera stealing cheese from a deli counter and wine by failing to scan some items on a self-service machine. The camera was set up amid suspicions he had done it before.

Worrall Thompson recently had to sell up several restaurants that he owned as they fell prey to the financial crisis, The Sun reported.