A KITCHEN FULL OF IMPISH JOY

There are certainly some culinary treats in store. ‘I won’t say who, but somebody made an amazing kedgeree,’ Claudia says. ‘I’m 49, I’ve eaten most things, but I think I’ve only eaten kedgeree once in my life and this was so good I almost did a roly-poly. And I wanted to move in with Ferne Mccann when she cooked one particular dish.’

More than anything, both Mary and Claudia hope viewers will find the show a cheering presence in these gloomy times. ‘Even though it’s a competition, there’s been an impish joy in the room,’ says Claudia. ‘And I really hope that comes across to viewers.’

Celebrity Best Home Cook is on Tuesday and Wednesday at 9pm on BBC1.

Ruth Madeley at work