TV Choice JENNIFER RODGER
Jamie Oliver is looking for an aspiring cookbook author in his new TV show. asks the celeb chef why he wanted to be part of the mix
FOR 23 years Jamie Oliver has written an annual cookery book, so he’s well placed to lead a new culinary talent show.
On the look out for the next big name in cookery writing, the celebrity chef brings all his usual trademark cheer and heart to the The Great Cookbook Challenge.
Over the next seven weeks, 18 hopefuls will try to impress Jamie and his expert judges with their recipes and book concepts, with a lucrative book deal with Penguin Random House up for grabs.
Jamie tells us more...
Tell us about your role in the show
I’m quite glad that I’m more mentor than judge. I didn’t want to have to choose between people. Really, what I had to offer was more helping each individual find their hook, their thing, their voice, their confidence. It was a really fun job, I loved it.
What are you looking for?
Just because you’re a chef and talented doesn’t mean you’re going to be an author that resonates with the public.
You’ve got to have a lived experience and a hook. But it’s also about tone and timing. Is what you’re saying useful now? It could be useful in two years, or you might be three years too late. It’s about how the public feel, how they’re living and the things they’re wanting or worried about.
If your tone and timing is wrong, then you’ve got nothing.
That makes it incredibly exciting – and frustrating.
It’s a new type of show for you. What’s that been like?
Amazing! I think it’s one of the most uplifting and pleasant experiences I’ve ever had in TV in 25 years.
It’s so interesting seeing them take on the challenges where they have to express certain things or work out certain things, resonate with a social media audience or design their page, all of these were very real challenges, not just “telly”.
Do you help contestants deal with emotions?
It was very emotional. Half my job was confidence building and clarity. It wasn’t like being in a room with loads of cocky people doing jazzhands, thinking they had something quirky. It was humble, hard-working people who love cooking.
So it’s about more than just being a good cook?
I grew up in a pub, I’ve always been fascinated by people, so this was about as good as it gets, really. Quality time with a fairly large group of people, whittling it down to one winner, who doesn’t just get a trophy, but a book deal.
I’ll continue to work with the winner when it’s finished, and that’s partly the reason I’m enthusiastic beyond belief about this.
Are you worried that you might just be promoting the competition?
The one thing I’ve learnt in 20 years is that it’s really hard in this industry and if you can give as much as possible, people are going to flourish.
There are only two ways to do it – you either try to hold talent back, which never ever ends well, or you just love, you nurture, you mentor and you let be what will be.
I’ve had a really good innings, I think competition is really good.
You either try to hold talent back, which never ever ends well, or you just love, you nurture, you mentor and you let be what will be...
The Great Cookbook Challenge With Jamie Oliver starts tomorrow, at 8pm on Channel 4