16:56 03 April 2014
The US TV career of Nigella Lawson was said to be in doubt as she was stopped from boarding a plane to Los Angeles following her confession that she had previously used cocaine.
The star of the Channel 4 cooking show The Taste on both sides of the Atlantic, was not allowed to board the plane even after she was able to check in and passed security at Terminal 5.
Reports added that she was asked to return to the First Class check-in to organise the return of her luggage.
An onlooker said: “She didn’t seem to say much, but she did not look happy. She could not get on the flight so she had to turn around and leave.”
The 54-year-old is believed to have no knowledge of any travel ban. It is also thought that she have registered online for permission to enter the US, saying she had not been arrested or convicted for drug offences.
A spokesman said: “An alien found inadmissible will need a waiver of inadmissibility. Depending on the basis of their refusal they may be eligible to apply in advance of travel for a temporary waiver of inadmissibility. The process can be lengthy.”