I’ve a real taste for presenting
She’s been a regular on the Great British Menu judging panel since taking Prue Leith’s spot in 2016, but now Andi Oliver is stepping up to the plate as presenter.
HOST WITH MOST...
Andi, 56, is busy filming the Christmas special after taking over from comedian Susan Calman and will also present next year’s series.
She tells us she’s loving every minute of the cookery show, where professional chefs compete to get their dish on a special banquet.
She said: “It’s really interesting to work more closely with the chefs, to really watch the evolution of the food and see how it develops throughout the week.”
And having been a judge lets her bring more to her role as a presenter.
She said: “The fact I’ve still got a judging eye on it really helps because I can give [the contestants] a bit of insight into how things will play out on the judging table.”
She admits suffering “separation anxiety” from judges Oliver Peyton, 59, and Matthew Fort, 72, but is happy comedian Kerry Godliman, 46, is joining the panel.
Andi said: “She’s a good, kind person and very forensically able to give feedback about the food, so she’s a brilliant judge.”
And Andi says this series will “really feel good” as guests compete to serve up a festive feast for key workers.
She added: “It was always important, but even more so now. It’s a time when we have to rememberto say thank you to each other, to our neighbours and look out for the people less fortunate.”
She hopes to spend Christmas with her daughter, presenter Miquita Oliver, boyfriend Garfield Hackett and her mother.
She said: “I look forward to cooking Christmas dinner every year. I love it.”