Cooking with the Stars (British TV series)

Cooking with the Stars
Created byJonny Coller
Ed Phillips
Presented byEmma Willis
Tom Allen
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series4
No. of episodes24
Production
Executive producersCaroline Davies
Melanie Leach
Andrew Mackenzie
Production locationPinewood Studios
Running time60 minutes (including adverts)
Production companySouth Shore Productions
Original release
NetworkITV
Release13 July 2021 (2021-07-13) –
present

Cooking with the Stars is a British competitive cooking reality television series. It began airing on 13 July 2021 on ITV and is presented by Emma Willis and Tom Allen.[1][2]

Format

Eight celebrities are paired with a professional chef who becomes their mentor. The celebrities then compete against each other in a number of cooking battles where they prepare a range of different dishes. During cooking, they have the option to bang the gong (golden frying pan) which allows their mentor to step in and help for two minutes. The mentor chefs also act as the judges, and rate the other celebrity cooks, deciding the winner(s) who will be advancing to the next round, and the losers who are forced to compete in the cook-off. In the cook-off, the bottom two prepare the same dish, with no help from their mentor, in a bid to remain in the competition. The cook-off is judged by a blind taste test, meaning the chefs do not know which celebrity has cooked each dish and therefore potentially allowing them to send their own celebrity home.[3][4]

Production

In April 2021, ITV announced the commissioning of Cooking with the Stars, a six-part entertainment cooking competition created by South Shore Productions with funding by Marks & Spencer.[5] The series was teased as featuring "eight celebrities, each paired with an accomplished chef who will mentor, teach and take them from passionate amateur to restaurant level chefs." The series is filmed at Pinewood Studios.[3]

Series 1 (2021)

The celebrities competing in the first series, along with their professional chef mentors were announced on 17 May 2021.[6][7] The series was won by Harry Judd, who was mentored by Nisha Katona.[8]

Celebrity Known for Professional chef Status
Naughty Boy DJ, record producer & musician Judy Joo Eliminated 1st
on 13 July 2021
Catherine Tyldesley Former Coronation Street actress Tristan Welch Eliminated 2nd
on 20 July 2021
Griff Rhys Jones Comedian, actor & presenter Ronnie Murray Eliminated 3rd
on 27 July 2021
Shirley Ballas Strictly Come Dancing judge Joseph Denison Carey Eliminated 4th
on 3 August 2021
Johnny Vegas Comedian & actor Rosemary Shrager Eliminated 5th
on 10 August 2021
AJ Odudu Television presenter Jack Stein Third place
on 17 August 2021
Denise van Outen Actress, singer & presenter Francesco Mazzei Runner-up
on 17 August 2021
Harry Judd McFly drummer Nisha Katona Winner
on 17 August 2021

Episodes

  Celebrity was eliminated
  Celebrity won the cooking battle
  Celebrity finished in third place
  Celebrity was the runner-up
  Celebrity was the winner

Episode 1: British

In the first episode, the first four celebrities competed against each other in two separate heats, with the theme being traditional British dishes. The winner of each heat advanced to the next week, whilst the losers competed in the cook-off and one celebrity was eliminated.[9]

Heat Celebrity Dish Result
1 Johnny Vegas Fillet Steak and Parsley Mash
with Savoy Cabbage and Smoky Bacon 		Safe
Harry Judd Gingerbread Lamb Chops
with Roast Potatoes, Cabbage and Marsala Gravy 		In cook-off
2 Shirley Ballas Butter-Poached Chicken
with Braised Leeks, Creamy Mash and Mustard Mayo 		Safe
Naughty Boy Pan Fried Scallops
with Spring Pea Purée 		In cook-off
Cook-off
Celebrity Dish Result
Harry Judd Baked Alaska Safe
Naughty Boy Eliminated

Episode 2: Italian

In the second episode, the remaining four celebrities competed in two separate heats. The week's theme was Italian dishes. The winner of each heat advanced to the next week, whilst the losers competed in the cook-off and one celebrity was eliminated.[10]

Heat Celebrity Dish Result
1 Griff Rhys Jones Pan Fried Salmon
with Borlotti Bean and Cavolo Nero Stew and Walnut Pesto 		Safe
Catherine Tyldesley Extra-Rich Spaghetti Carbonara
with a Pancetta Crumb and Parmesan Tuiles 		In cook-off
2 AJ Odudu Open Ravioli
with Lingoustine, Tomato and Basil 		Safe
Denise van Outen Tortelli
with Burrata, 'Nduja and Balsamic Vinegar 		In cook-off
Cook-off
Celebrity Dish Result
Catherine Tyldesley Panna Cotta Eliminated
Denise van Outen Safe

Episode 3: Indian

In the third episode, the remaining celebrities prepared Indian dishes in the cooking competitions that consisted of two heats featuring three celebrities. The judges then decided which celebrity to send to the cook-off, whilst the other two celebrities were advanced to the next week.[11]

Heat Celebrity Dish Result
1 Shirley Ballas Keralan Spiced Chicken Thighs
with Pickled Onions, Cabbage Slaw and a Coriander Chutney in a Roti Wrap 		Safe
Johnny Vegas Goan Chicken Xacuti
with Fragrant Basmati Rice and Chapatis 		In cook-off
Denise van Outen Lamb Meatball Curry
with Saffron Mashed Potato and Spiced Tenderstem Broccoli 		Safe
2 Griff Rhys Jones Chicken Saag
with Lemon Pilau, Coriander Naan and a Cucumber Raita 		In cook-off
Harry Judd 'Bridal Thali'
Butter Chicken, Tandoori Lamb Chops, South Indian Coconut Meatballs with Fragrant Cardamom Rice 		Safe
AJ Odudu Kati Rolls
with Pickled Onions, Kachumber Salad, Raita and All Butter Paratha 		Safe
Cook-off
Celebrity Dish Result
Griff Rhys Jones Samosas Eliminated
Johnny Vegas Safe

Episode 4: French

In the fourth episode, the theme was French dishes. The contestants competed in two heats, and due to the odd number of contestants, the first featured two celebrities and the second featured three celebrities, with the loser of each heat competing in the cook-off as normal and one celebrity was eliminated.[12]

Heat Celebrity Dish Result
1 Shirley Ballas Sole Meunière
with French Fries and Garlic Aioli 		In cook-off
Johnny Vegas Duck À L'Orange
with Fondant Potato and Chiffonade of Cavalo Nero 		Safe
2 Harry Judd Chicken À La Moutarde
Pasta with Hazelnut Butter and a Peach and Pine Nut Salad 		In cook-off
AJ Odudu Bourride of Seabass, Sole and Langoustines Safe
Denise van Outen Coq Au Vin
with Polenta 		Safe
Cook-off
Celebrity Dish Result
Shirley Ballas Chocolate Soufflé Eliminated
Harry Judd Safe

Episode 5: Semi-final: South East Asian

In semi-final, the celebrities again competed in two heats, cooking South Asian dishes, with the winner advancing to the final, whilst the losing celebrities had to battle it out in the cook off for the remaining spot in the final.[13]

Heat Celebrity Dish Result
1 Johnny Vegas Surf & Turf Laksa Noodle Soup
and Roti Prata 		In cook-off
Denise van Outen Thai Green Curry
with Langoustines, Scallops & Spring Vegetables 		Safe
2 Harry Judd Malaysian Roti Babi
with a Pineapple Salsa and Tamarind Dipping Sauce 		Safe
AJ Odudu Northern Thai Chicken Larb, Pork Shoulder Skewers
Sticky Rice and Chargrilled Sweetheart Cabbage 		In cook-off
Cook-off
Celebrity Dish Result
Johnny Vegas Pork Dumplings
with a Chilli Dipping Sauce 		Eliminated
AJ Odudu Safe

Episode 6: Final: Signature

In the grand final, the final three celebrities are tasked with cooking their mentor chef's signature dish, before the chefs decide which one of them will advance to the final cooking competition, and the two losers go head to head in a cook-off to win the second spot. In the final cooking battle, the remaining two celebrities prepare a dish they’d cooked previously in a bid to be crowned champion.[14]

Celebrity Dish Result
Denise van Outen Potato Gnocchi
with Langoustines, Cherry Tomatoes & Asparagus 		Safe
AJ Odudu Rack of Lamb
with Braised Peas, New Potatoes, Picked Cucumber and Lamb Sauce 		In third place cook-off
Harry Judd 'Chat Bombs'
Puffed Parcels with Red Onion, Chickpeas and Tamarind Chutney 		In third place cook-off
Third place cook-off
Celebrity Dish Result
Harry Judd Seared Tuna Steak
with Crushed New Potatoes and Peppery Greens 		Safe
AJ Odudu Third place
Final cooking battle
Celebrity Dish Result
Denise van Outen Tortelli
with Burrata, 'Nduja and Balsamic Vinegar 		Runner-up
Harry Judd 'Bridal Thali'
Butter Chicken, Tandoori Lamb Chops, South Indian Coconut Meatballs with Fragrant Cardamom Rice 		Winner

Series 2 (2022)

The celebrities competing in the second series were announced on 11 April 2022.[15][16][17] The series was won by Dr. Ranj Singh, who was mentored by Clodagh McKenna.[18]

Celebrity Known for Professional chef Status
Woody Cook The Circle contestant Mike Reid Eliminated 1st
on 7 June 2022
Kelly Holmes Former Olympic middle-distance runner Ronnie Murray Eliminated 2nd
on 14 June 2022
Anne Hegerty The Chase quizzer Jean-Christophe Novelli Eliminated 3rd
on 21 June 2022
Anton Du Beke Strictly Come Dancing judge & former professional Rosemary Shrager Eliminated 4th
on 28 June 2022
Maura Higgins Love Island finalist & television personality Jack Stein Eliminated 5th
on 5 July 2022
Joe Wilkinson Comedian & actor Judy Joo Third place
on 12 July 2022
Josie Gibson Television personality & presenter Tony Singh Runner-up
on 12 July 2022
Dr. Ranj Singh This Morning doctor & presenter Clodagh McKenna Winner
on 12 July 2022

Episodes

  Celebrity was eliminated
  Celebrity won the cooking battle
  Celebrity finished in third place
  Celebrity was the runner-up
  Celebrity was the winner

Episode 1: British

In the first episode, the first four celebrities competed against each other in two separate heats, with the theme being dishes from Great Britain. The winner of each heat advanced to the next week, whilst the losers competed in the cook-off and one celebrity was eliminated.[19]

Heat Celebrity Dish Result
1 Joe Wilkinson Fish & Chips
with Kimchi Tartare Sauce 		In cook-off
Anton Du Beke Pork Chop
with Apple Sauce, Crackling and a Sherry & Mustard Jus 		Safe
2 Josie Gibson Duck
with Stovies and Brown Sauce Jus 		Safe
Woody Cook Rib Eye Steak
Potato & Celeriac Gratin with a Peppercorn Sauce 		In cook-off
Cook-off
Celebrity Dish Result
Joe Wilkinson Lemon Meringue Pie Safe
Woody Cook Eliminated

Episode 2: Spanish

In episode two, the remaining four celebrities competed against each other in two separate heats, with the theme being dishes from Spain. The winner of each heat advanced to the next week, whilst the losers competed in the cook-off and one celebrity was eliminated.[20]

Heat Celebrity Dish Result
1 Anne Hegerty Lamb Rack
with Chickpea, Aubergine & Chorizo Stew 		Safe
Kelly Holmes Spanish Tapas
Pan-Fried Prawns with Padron Peppers,
Anchovy Croquetas & Patatas Bravas with Romesco Sauce 		In cook-off
2 Dr. Ranj Singh Seafood Paella
Smoked Paprika Aioli and Padron Peppers 		In cook-off
Maura Higgins Tapas
with Tortilla, Basque Crab Gratin and Fried Padron Peppers 		Safe
Cook-off
Celebrity Dish Result
Kelly Holmes Churros
Salted Caramel Filling with Chocolate Sauce 		Eliminated
Dr. Ranj Singh Safe

Episode 3: Indian

In the third episode, the remaining celebrities prepared Indian dishes in the cooking battles that consisted of two heats featuring three celebrities. The judges then decided which celebrity to send to the cook-off, whilst the other two celebrities were advanced to the next week. The two celebrities in the cook-off then competed against each other with one of them being eliminated.[21]

Heat Celebrity Dish Result
1 Anne Hegerty Chicken Pilau Pie
with Raita and Pineapple Salsa 		In cook-off
Maura Higgins Goan Vegetable Curry
with Tempura, Raita, Salad and Puri 		Safe
Anton Du Beke Lamb Stuffed Paratha
with Vegetable Pakora, Mint Yogurt and Spicy Tomato Sauce 		Safe
2 Joe Wilkinson Classic Chicken Tikka Masala
with Paratha 		Safe
Josie Gibson Wild Mushroom Biryani
with Raita 		In cook-off
Dr. Ranj Singh Chickpea & Coconut Dahl
with Onion Bhajis, Raita & Coriander Naan 		Safe
Cook-off
Celebrity Dish Result
Anne Hegerty Dosa
with Coriander Chutney 		Eliminated
Josie Gibson Safe

Episode 4: French

In the episode four, the theme was French dishes. The contestants competed in two heats, and due to the odd number of contestants, the first featured two celebrities and the second featured three celebrities, with the loser of each heat competing in the cook-off as normal and one celebrity was eliminated.[22]

Heat Celebrity Dish Result
1 Dr. Ranj Singh Salmon en Croute
with Asparagus & Beurre Blanc and a Watercress Salad 		Safe
Josie Gibson Coquilles St Jacques À La Pondicherry Safe
Anton Du Beke Chicken
wrapped in Pancetta, with Bramble Liqueur, Shallots and Mushrooms 		In cook-off
2 Joe Wilkinson Tarte Flambée
with Side Salad and Cocktail 		In cook-off
Maura Higgins Bouillabaisse
with Garlic Croutons and Spicy Mayo 		Safe
Cook-off
Celebrity Dish Result
Anton Du Beke Crème Caramel
Housed in a Sugar Cage 		Eliminated
Joe Wilkinson Safe

Episode 5: Semi-final: Thai

In the semi-final, the celebrities again competed in two heats, cooking dishes from Thailand, with the winner advancing to the final, whilst the losing celebrities had to battle it out in the cook off for the remaining spot in the final.[23]

Heat Celebrity Dish Result
1 Josie Gibson Aromatic Salt Baked Sea Bass
Accompanied by a Sticky Aubergine Curry, Jasmine Rice and a Dipping Sauce 		Safe
Joe Wilkinson Spicy Grilled Pork Salad
with a Fragrant Dressing, Coconut Rice and Coriander Crisps 		In cook-off
2 Maura Higgins Chang Mai Curried Noodle Soup In cook-off
Dr. Ranj Singh Authentic Thai Green Curry
Coconut Rice and Thai Cucumber Salad 		Safe
Cook-off
Celebrity Dish Result
Joe Wilkinson Thai Spring Rolls
with a Sweet Chilli Sauce 		Safe
Maura Higgins Eliminated

Episode 6: Final: Signature

In the grand final, the final three celebrities are tasked with cooking their mentor chef's signature dish, before the chefs decide which one of them will advance to the final cooking competition, and the two losers go head to head in a cook-off to win the second spot. In the final cooking battle, the remaining two celebrities prepare their own signature dish in a bid to be crowned champion.[24]

Celebrity Dish Result
Dr. Ranj Singh Sea Bass
in Sicilian Broth with Gnocchi 		In third place cook-off
Josie Gibson Punjabi Prawns
with Paratha 		Safe
Joe Wilkinson Korean Fried Chicken In third place cook-off
Third place cook-off
Celebrity Dish Result
Dr. Ranj Singh Beef Wellington Safe
Joe Wilkinson Third place
Final cooking battle
Celebrity Dish Result
Josie Gibson Roast Chicken
with Roast Potatoes, Cauliflower Cheese and Gravy 		Runner-up
Dr. Ranj Singh Butter Chicken
with Vegetable Samosas, Mint and Mango Yoghurt and a Tamarind Chutney 		Winner

Series 3 (2023)

The celebrities competing in the third series were announced on 17 April 2023.[25]

Celebrity Known for Professional chef Status
Matt Willis Busted singer & actor Shelina Permalloo Eliminated 1st
on 4 July 2023
Chris Eubank Former professional boxer Jack Stein Eliminated 2nd
on 11 July 2023
Indiyah Polack Love Island finalist Ellis Barrie Eliminated 3rd
on 18 July 2023
Claire Richards Steps singer Tony Singh Eliminated 4th
on 25 July 2023
Jason Watkins McDonald & Dodds actor April Jackson Elimated 5th
on 1 August 2023
Joanna Page Gavin and Stacey actress & television presenter Michael Caines Third place
on 8 August 2023
Peter Andre Singer & television personality Rosemary Shrager Runner up
on 8 August 2023
Samia Longchambon Coronation Street actress Jean-Christophe Novelli Winner
on 8 August 2023

Series 4 (2024)

The celebrities competing in the fourth series were announced on 2 April 2024.[26]

Celebrity Known for Professional chef Status
Harry Pinero YouTube personality Michael O'Hare Eliminated 1st
on 30 July 2024
Christopher Biggins Stage & screen actor Rosemary Shrager Eliminated 2nd
on 6 August 2024
Abbey Clancy Model & television presenter Michael Caines Eliminated 3rd
on 13 August 2024
Linford Christie Former Olympic sprinter Poppy O'Toole Eliminated 4th
on 20 August 2024
Katherine Ryan Comedian & actress Jack Stein Eliminated 5th
on 27 August 2024
Pasha Kovalev Former Strictly Come Dancing professional April Jackson Third place
on 3 September 2024
Carol Vorderman Former Countdown presenter Tony Singh Runner up
on 3 September 2024
Ellie Simmonds Paralympic swimmer Shelina Permalloo Winner
on 3 September 2024

Reception

The series received positive reviews from critics, with Ben Dowell of The Times describing the show as "exciting, charming and fun with accomplished editing helping to strain every drop of tension."[27]

References

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  2. ^ "Emma Willis and Tom Allen to front ITV celeb cooking show to rival Celebrity MasterChef". Daily Mirror. 27 April 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  3. ^ a b "ITV commissions new entertainment series Cooking With The Stars". ITV Press. 17 April 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  4. ^ "Cooking with the Stars celebrity line-up: Meet the ITV show's famous contestants and chefs". Radio Times. 13 July 2021. Archived from the original on 5 November 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  5. ^ "Cooking with the Stars". Marks & Spencer. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  6. ^ "Celebrities and chefs confirmed for ITV's Cooking With The Stars". ITV Press. 17 May 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  7. ^ "Cooking With The Stars: The Line-Up Has Been Revealed". Delish. 17 May 2021. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  8. ^ "Harry Judd is left emotional as he wins Cooking With The Stars 2021: 'I'm in shock!'". OK!. 17 August 2021. Archived from the original on 17 August 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  9. ^ "Cooking with the Stars, Series 1, Episode 1". ITV. 13 July 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  10. ^ "Cooking with the Stars, Series 1, Episode 2". ITV. 20 July 2021. Archived from the original on 26 March 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  11. ^ "Cooking with the Stars, Series 1, Episode 3". ITV. 27 July 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  12. ^ "Cooking with the Stars, Series 1, Episode 4". ITV. 3 August 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  13. ^ "Cooking with the Stars, Series 1, Episode 5". ITV. 10 August 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  14. ^ "Cooking with the Stars, Series 1, Episode 6". ITV. 17 August 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  15. ^ "Season two cast announced for Cooking With The Stars". ITV. 11 April 2022. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  16. ^ "Strictly and Corrie stars sign up for new reality show Cooking with the Stars". Digital Spy. 16 May 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  17. ^ "Cooking with the Stars 2022: Celebrity line-up confirmed for ITV show". Liverpool Echo. 11 April 2022. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
  18. ^ "Cooking with the Stars series 2 announces its winner". Digital Spy. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  19. ^ "Cooking with the Stars, Series 2, Episode 1". ITV. 7 June 2022. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  20. ^ "Cooking with the Stars, Series 2, Episode 2". ITV. 14 June 2022. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
  21. ^ "Cooking with the Stars, Series 2, Episode 3". ITV. 21 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  22. ^ "Cooking with the Stars, Series 2, Episode 4". ITV. 28 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  23. ^ "Cooking with the Stars, Series 2, Episode 5". ITV. 5 July 2022. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  24. ^ "Cooking with the Stars, Series 2, Episode 6". ITV. 12 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  25. ^ "Cooking with the Stars line-up in full featuring iconic singer and boxing legend". Daily Mirror. 17 April 2023.
  26. ^ "Strictly and Taskmaster stars confirmed in Cooking With The Stars line-up". Digital Spy. 2 April 2024.
  27. ^ "Cooking with the Stars review — undercooked chefs make for a winning recipe". The Times. 14 July 2021. Archived from the original on 23 July 2021. Retrieved 28 May 2022.