Aldo Zilli keeps Leona Lewis tour calm as a cucumber
Aldo Zilli has been brought in to feed vegetarian Leona Lewis and her crew backstage at the singer's four dates at the O2.
The Italian is Lewis's favourite chef and provided meat-free food for the 25-year-old from Hackney.
He said a strict set of dietary rules enforced by the singer has brought an "air of calm" to the backstage area.
Zilli, 54, said: "There was nothing on the set or backstage remotely associated with meat or fish. The whole stage, backstage and catering is green. This is tough to do, especially for the truck drivers who have had to eat veggie burgers.
"I've cooked for people like Freddie Mercury, George Michael and Paul McCartney and I've never seen anything so calm, tranquil and organised.
"Leona is no diva and she eats with her crew — the fame hasn't gone to her head."
Zilli said he has helped Lewis devise a vegetarian diet with more protein to help her work.
"I've introduced her to things like barley, spelt and quinoa — all give you lots of energy to perform on stage," he said.
