Radio Times

Review by:

Jane Rackham

Hooray — it’s back in its proper time slot and the producers have refrained from bunging in any unnecessary ingredients to spice up the mix. Instead we simply get four celebs — this week it’s DJ Jamie Theakston, actress Anne Charleston, singer Javine Hylton and swimmer Steve Parry — attempting to cook something delicious… or at the least something edible.

Anne provokes the biggest grimaces from John Torode and Gregg Wallace. First she massacres a fish (“She’s scaring me slightly,” says Wallace as she sticks the knife into its flesh) and then serves her pesto pasta (or “pusta” as Torode enchantingly pronounces it) with eye-wateringly large chunks of garlic that leave the pair gasping for breath.

Not that all the others are brilliant chefs, either — have you ever tried eating boiled rice that’s been so overcooked you can cut a slice of it? It doesn’t bode well for the first professional kitchen task tomorrow.

About this programme

1/30. Sixteen famous faces from the fields of sport, music and showbusiness battle it out in the kitchen, competing in groups in a bid to take the crown of last year's winner Phil Vickery. First up are broadcaster Jamie Theakston, Aussie actress Anne Charleston, singer Javine Hylton and former Olympic swimmer Steve Parry. The opening challenge is a mystery box containing a range of ingredients with which the contestants have to impress judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace.

Cast and crew

Cast

Judge

Gregg Wallace

Judge

John Torode

Contestant

Anne Charleston

Contestant

Jamie Theakston

Contestant

Javine Hylton

Contestant

Steve Parry

Crew

Series Director

Dave Crerar

Series Producer

Clodagh Norriss

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