But anyone in the crowd anticipating that the air might turn blue was left surprised when a remarkably chilled Gordon Ramsay arrived to meet his public.
The celebrity chef, best renowned for his swear-laden outbursts on Channel Four’s The F Word at the time, was at the centre of a frenzy on Thursday October 12, 2006, when he came to the WH Smith store, in Southampton, to sign copies of his autobiography, Humble Pie.
Fans at Gordon Ramsey book signing W.H.Smith Southampton (Image: Echo)
Far from living up to the image of his much-scorned TV persona Ramsay was full of smiles and totally relaxed as the line of waiting autograph hunters wound far back into the shopping precinct.
Devoted fans packed into the store in a bid to spend a few moments with the star.
One at the very front of the giant queue was Ally Carroll from Rownhams.
She confessed to breaking the habit of a lifetime to bag a special birthday present for her daughter’s boyfriend, admitting: “I’ve never queued for anything before in my life”.
The surprisingly mild-mannered nature of the fiery chef also left a big impression on other members of the assembled throng, among them self-confessed super-fans Layla LeMarechal and Claire Sheppard, who had travelled from Hythe for the occasion.
Claire was delighted by how friendly and talkative Ramsay had been, adding: “He even asked me what I was doing for dinner tonight”.
Fan Ally Carroll first in the que get her book signed at Gordon Ramsey book signing W.H.Smith Southampton (Image: Echo)
The day was beautifully captured on camera by Echo photographer Malcolm Nethersole, sealing a surprisingly sweet moment from the famously foul-mouthed chef.
Do you remember seeing Gordon Ramsey at the signing? Share your memories in the comments or by emailing ian.crump@dailyecho.co.uk .