Jamie Oliver's Restaurant Chain Collapses Leaving Thousands Of Jobs At Risk

British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's restaurant chain says it is entering administration, threatening jobs at the firm's 25 sites in the United Kingdom

Oliver, 43, who became a well-known figure in Britain and beyond for his popular TV shows, founded his Jamie's Italian brand of high street restaurants in 2008.

His restaurant group also includes Barbecoa, a steakhouse, and Jamie Oliver's Diner.

"I am deeply saddened by this outcome and would like to thank all of the staff and our suppliers who have put their hearts and souls into this business for over a decade," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

"I appreciate how difficult this is for everyone affected."

More than 1000 jobs will be put at risk by the administration, a form of protection from creditors. The Jamie Oliver Group said it had appointed Will Wright and Mark Orton of KPMG.

Oliver, who was discovered by the BBC while working as a chef in London's River Cafe, gained widespread fame for his "Naked Chef" show, which was broadcast in dozens of countries.

READ MORE: It's Been 20 Whole Years Since 'The Naked Chef' Hit TV Screens

He used his reputation to put pressure on politicians to combat growing child obesity problems by campaigning for healthier school meals.

Oliver's restaurant chain is the latest victim of a brutal trading environment on Britain's high streets.

READ MORE: Jamie Oliver Offered To Cater For The Royal Wedding But Got 'Snubbed'

In March, Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG) said it planned to close more than a third of its Giraffe and Ed's Easy Diner outlets, while Carluccio's, Prezzo, Strada and Gourmet Burger Kitchen closed branches in 2018.