It's already looking like it’s going to be a strong year for British food television, with the likes of Great British Menu, Come Dine With Me: The Professionals and Gordan Ramsay’s Future Food Stars series all set to hit TV screens in 2022. And now there’s another addition to add to the list, with a brand-new show hosted by none other than Jamie Oliver set to launch on Channel 4 later this month.
It's called The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver and it’s not like anything the channel has ever done before (although the title is pretty much another rip-off of GBBO). Throughout the weeks, hopeful cookbook authors will compete to win a publishing contract with Penguin Random House, by proving to judges they have what it takes to write a best-selling cookbook.
The judges include restaurant critic and food writer Jimi Famurewa, cookbook author and recipe writer Georgina Hayden and MD of Penguin Michael Joseph Louise Moore.
Meanwhile Jamie Oliver, who has published a respectable 25 cookbooks in his career, will nurture the contestants, acting as a mentor on the show and sharing his experience to help them develop their cooking and publishing skills.
Publishing house Penguin Michael Joseph is Jamie Oliver’s longstanding publisher, with the TV star, chef and author having worked with Louise Moore, who he refers to in an Instagram post as ‘my dear friend’, for years. Meanwhile, Georgina Hayden used to work in Oliver’s food team.
Channel 4 said: "The series begins with wannabe cookbook authors from across the country pitching their unique cookbook ideas and signature dishes. The panel of experts will pick their favourites to return for the next part of the process, where the competitors must cook more dishes, hone their book concepts and see how well their recipes measure up to testers at home.’’
"Packed full of incredible food, the series culminates with three finalists bringing their books to life for the judges and industry experts in a final pitch for the ultimate prize. Only one foodie will walk away with their very own publishing deal with Michael Joseph at Penguin Random House."
The Great Cookbook Challenge is set to start on Monday 31 January at 8pm on Channel 4.
In slightly different food news, KFC has decided to keep its vegan burger on the menu