I am not some prim Brownie pack leader, in fact I am a bit of a bitch

Delia Smith

The 59-year-old author of the How to Cook books launched her attack in an interview which tried to dispel her prudish image.

"I am not some prim, Brownie pack leader - in fact, I am a bit of a bitch," she told the Daily Telegraph.

But Worrall Thompson laughed off the attack saying he was glad she had "got some personality after all".

Falling out

The attacks continue a kitchen feud started in 1998 when her How To Cook series made its debut on BBC Two.

Smith's back to basics approach - she demonstrated how to boil eggs and potatoes - surprised her fellow chefs.

Gary Rhodes: Smith hates his New British Classics TV show

Gary Rhodes accused her of insulting the intelligence of viewers, and Antony Worrall Thompson dubbed her the Volvo of cooking because she was reliable but dull.

Now Smith, who has sold over 11 million cookery books, has hit back.

"Actually, I hate Gary Rhodes's programmes and I think that Antony Worrall Thompson is worse. He is dreadful, just repulsive," she said.

Michael Barry, she added, was "all sweaty palms".

Jilly Goolden: Smith considers the Food and Drink wine critic 'awful'

"I will never, ever know, as long as I live, how the BBC or the general public can tolerate Food and Drink," Smith added.

"We are all human beings, all flawed failures. I'm not too nice, really.

"When we finish recording my shows, the crew and I always sit down and have a good giggle at Food and Drink. See how bitchy I can be?"

Personality

Worrall Thompson, 48, was unfazed by the attack saying it was "water off a duck's back".

"She has every right to have a go at those who have had a go at her, which Gary and I have."

Antony Worrall Thompson: Smith called him 'repulsive'

Asked why he called Smith dull, he said: "It's because she's safe, people love her and she'll probably be around long after we are on walking frames."

He added: "If she doesn't like me I won't lose sleep. I find her quite attractive actually - and she gets more beautiful as she gets older."

"I would like to challenge her to a threesome on TV with me and Gary - it might even involve some food," he said at London Fashion Week, where he is catering.

Smith, who is on the board of First Division football club Norwich City, also revealed she enjoys singing abusive chants on the terraces.

"But I don't sing the ones with swear words. I don't think they are very nice," she added.