Jamie's the No.1 Oliver the world

Jamie Oliver is not only proving a hit with housewives over here - it seems TV viewers worldwide have taken him to their hearts.

The cheeky chef has been voted favourite TV chef in a poll of more than 100 countries, including South Africa, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

'That's wicked,' said 30-year-old Oliver, who sprung to fame in the Naked Chef TV programmes in 1998. 'I'm honoured and humbled. It's amazing what can be achieved in just seven years.'

Oliver's current series is Jamie's Italian Escape on Channel 4. James Martin came a surprise second in the survey - no doubt boosted by his Strictly Come Dancing appearances.

Rick Stein was third, followed by Ainsley Harriott and Nigella Lawson.

National treasure Delia Smith made it to only 14th place. Instead the top ten included Antony Worrall Thompson, Gary Rhodes and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, together with James Reeson and Alan Coxon, two British-born chefs who have a huge following overseas.

The poll was conducted by BBC Food.