Emma Willis and Tom Allen are back to host the star-studded chef competition show as a fresh batch of celebrities head into the kitchen to cook up a storm for the chance to win the Golden Frying Pan
The ITV culinary competition, Cooking With The Stars, is set to make a sizzling return with Emma Willis and Tom Allen back at the helm. A fresh batch of eight celebrities are gearing up to step into the kitchen.
This beloved programme pairs complete cooking novices with acclaimed chefs as they embark on a gastronomic quest for the coveted Golden Frying Pan. Emma Willis has teased that this season’s standards are sky-high, telling ITV: “Looking at those first few days in the kitchen, this is the highest level we’ve ever had.”
She added, “Sometimes the dishes can look a bit rough around the edges but actually taste amazing – but this year, I thought everyone’s first cook looked great and tasted great… well, from what we’ve managed to snatch off the counter anyway!”
Like previous seasons, each celebrity will be under the tutelage of a renowned chef as they face off in intense culinary duels and edge-of-your-seat cook offs, reports the Express.
Each episode will see the lowest-scoring celebs enter the eliminator round, where they’ll go whisk-to-whisk to dodge being booted off the show.
Their mentors will have to endure the tension in silence, ultimately delivering the final judgement as the pressure in the kitchen reaches boiling point.
Mentors are tasked with participating in a taste test, unaware of which dish belongs to which contestant – meaning they could inadvertently send their own protégé home if they make an incorrect judgement.
Who is taking part?
This time around, the celebrities hoping to impress with their culinary skills include actor Natalie Cassidy, reality TV star Ekin-Su Cülcülolu, actor and comedian Hugh Dennis, author and interiors expert Kelly Hoppen, radio presenter Jordan North, reality TV star Jessica Wright, and former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Media personality Jack Osbourne is also part of this year’s line-up, despite the recent passing of his beloved father just days ago. The rock icon passed away at the age of 76 on July 22, following his final farewell concert in Birmingham.
Although Cooking With The Stars will air this weekend, the programme was pre-recorded before the rock legend’s death.
Who is teamed with which professional?
In terms of pairings, Hugh Dennis is teamed up with April Jackson, Ekin-Su is paired with Poppy O’Toole, Jack Osbourne is mentored by Elliott Grover, while Natalie Cassidy is working alongside Tony Singh.
Michael Caines is partnered with Kelly Hoppen, Jordan North is paired with Rosemary Shrager, Jessica Wright is under the guidance of Jack Stein, and Shaun Wright-Phillips is teamed up with Shelina Permalloo.
Each professional mentor brings a wealth of culinary experience to the table.
How can I watch?
The popular ITV cooking show will be returning to screens this weekend, with the first episode set to air on Sunday, August 3rd at 8pm.
Fans who are unable to catch the broadcast will have additional chances to keep up with the show’s antics on several streaming platforms.
The new six-part series will enjoy a prime time slot on ITV1 and will also be available for streaming on ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Cooking With The Stars is set to kick off on Sunday, August 3 at 8pm on ITV1.
