Trio Gord to go for it
OVER the last eight weeks, we’ve witnessed Gordon Ramsay challenge 12 future ‘Food Stars’ to compete for his £150,000 investment in their business.
Yes, it’s basically The Apprentice, but with Gordon doing the yelling and the weekly inquisition before someone gets fired. Sorry, I mean, asked to leave. It’s been a bizarre few weeks with challenges Gordon has designed to “push them to their limits” – including climbing, caving, leaping from cliffs, and the odd wheelbarrow. We’re not sure what this has to do with gluten-free brownies or tacos, but hopefully it has all been worth it for the finalists.
It’s an all-female final tonight, with only three remaining – Steph and her Japanese-inspired soft drinks, Victoria and her plantain-based snacks and Leah and her healthy brownies. Their final challenge is to host a unique launch event in the heart of London’s famous Covent Garden to promote their product and their brand.
But Gordon has a final word to say before they dive in. Each of the contestants has to address a problem. For Steph, it’s marketing and socials, while Victoria needs an extra product in her range and Leah needs to revamp her packaging.
Then it’s 24 hours to turn a massive empty room into a buzzing pop-up event, with help – of course, because this is an Apprentice rip-off – from a few of the former contestants. “Gordon has thrown down the gauntlet,” says Steph.
Watch out for event gimmicks, from smoothie spin classes to bubbles and cocktails, before Gordon gives them a final grilling… clearly his favourite bit. Only one can successfully step up to the plate, so to speak.