Marlow chef Tom Kerridge says ADHD diagnosis will help him support son.

Marlow chef and TV presenter Tom Kerridge has spoken about his son’s ADHD diagnosis, saying he wishes he had known about his own condition sooner.

The Hand and Flowers owner said being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has helped him better understand challenges he experienced while growing up and throughout his career.

Kerridge, who has become one of the town’s most recognisable success stories, said the diagnosis will also help him support his son, Acey, who has been diagnosed with the same condition.

Speaking to The Times, he said: "The one thing I said to my wife is, I wish I'd known about myself earlier.

"It would then have been easier to understand what I went through as an adolescent.

"Why certain career paths just don't work for people like me.

"Sitting still in an office was never going to work and my son is exactly like me.

"I think I can now help him have a clearer path of where he's going."

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The chef said understanding his ADHD has provided answers about his past and helped explain some of the struggles that contributed to his battle with alcohol dependency.

Kerridge has become synonymous with Marlow after transforming The Hand and Flowers into one of the country's most celebrated pubs.

The establishment made history as the first pub in the UK to be awarded two Michelin stars and has helped establish the Buckinghamshire town as a leading food destination.

Alongside The Hand and Flowers, Kerridge operates other hospitality ventures in Marlow and have become prominent figures in the local community.

Raised on a housing estate in Gloucester, Kerridge lost his father to multiple sclerosis when he was 18 before pursuing a career in professional kitchens.

He later trained under renowned chef Gary Rhodes and went on to build an award-winning career spanning restaurants, books and television.

Today, he is a familiar face to viewers through programmes including Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen.

Kerridge said that understanding his own ADHD has given him a greater insight into how his mind works and believes that knowledge will help him guide his son through many of the challenges he faced himself.

Children with ADHD may be easily distracted, struggle to follow instructions or forget everyday tasks, while others may be restless, fidget frequently, talk excessively or find it difficult to wait their turn, the health service says.