JAMIE OLIVER - JAMIE OLIVER TO TAKE ON AMERICA'S FATTEST CITIES

JAMIE OLIVER TO TAKE ON AMERICA'S FATTEST CITIES

British chef Jamie Oliver is to take his healthy eating initiatives to the US for a new television series, it has been announced.

The Naked Chef, famed for revitalising school dinners in the UK, is to team up with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest for a new six-part series to improve eating habits in a US city.

After Oliver's 2005 series Jamie's School Dinners highlighted the use of processed foods in British schools, the government pledged a £280 million overhaul of school meals and the chef was voted the Most Inspiring Political Figure of 2005 by Channel 4.

And having impressed US television bosses during his appearance as a judge on the one-off series Oprah's Big Give, Oliver will travel to one of the unhealthiest cities in the US to improve local dietary habits, with Seacrest's production company shooting six one-hour episodes.

"I couldn't do what I do in terms of my schedule if I didn't eat right and exercise right," Seacrest told the Hollywood Reporter.

"As a kid I was chubby, and I'm a firm believer that the fuel we put into our body results in a healthy lifestyle.

"Jamie's going to come over here, roll up his sleeves and use the resources of each town to help condition living habits to make it a better and healthier place."

The as-yet untitled show is expected to air on ABC in the US later this year with Oliver focusing on the produce available at city grocery stores, catering choices for office workers and the spread of fast food outlets.