Contestants serve up tasty treats
Best Home Cook
BBC1, 8pm
T Vis full of double acts and always has been. From Morecambe and Wise, the Two Ronnies, and Pete and Dud, to Holly and Phil, Richard and Judy and many, many more.
But how about Winkleman and Berry? Okay, so it sounds more like a swanky department store, or perhaps the name of an artisan bakery, but last year’s series of Britain’s Best Home Cook threw together Claudia and Mary, and they turned out to be one of the best small-screen combinations for many a moon.
And now they’re back in action.
Claudia hosts the programme, while Mary acts as head judge, casting her expert eye over the efforts of those who are used to rustling up sumptuous meals in their own kitchen.
“I am never more at home than when I have my judging hat on,” claims Mary. “This series is going to encourage proper home cooking which I have always championed and I cannot wait to start. Claudia, for me, is the icing on the cake.”
“I am over the moon to be part of this show,” says Claudia. “I am slightly obsessed with Mary so will follow her around with my own moussaka for most of the filming. Apologies in advance.”
Also returning for the new run is Mary’s fellow Chris Bavin, a market trader-turned-businessman who’s been popping up on everything from Eat Well for Less? and The Truth About to Britain in Bloom.
“A good understanding of ingredients will be key to giving us delicious dishes, but just as important is the ability to adapt and be resourceful – anyone who cooks will know that in a kitchen anything can happen!” adds Bavin.
However, the third member of the judging panel, Dan Doherty, the chef director at London’s celebrated Duck and Waffle restaurant, will be missing; he’s been replaced by Michelin-starred chef and Gordon Ramsay protege Angela Hartnett.
“I’m looking forward to joining the incredible Mary Berry and Chris Bavin to judge the next series of Britain’s Best Home Cook,” claims Hartnett. “For me, home cooking is about family sitting around a table eating together, laughing and talking, with delicious, tasty and unfussy food; it’s about the people as much as the food.
“My mum always said, ‘it’s good to be an all-round cook, everyone needs to be able to master the store cupboard!’”
Once again, 10 contestants must demonstrate skill under pressure as well as a degree of individual flair while tasked with serving up definitive British recipes and creating their own spin on well-loved classics.
The judges will be looking for cooks who go that extra mile to deliver something special, from a traditional roast beef Sunday dinner to chicken curry with a twist, or an irresistible chocolate pudding.
The opening episode sees two talented home cooks face two challenges – the first involves creating the perfect pasta dinner, while the second must incorporate a piece of fruit.