Exclusive: The staff at British unscripted producer Sidney Street have exited, as company founder Karen Ross moves to a freelance showrunner role within Banijay UK.
Ross, who has led Sidney Street since founding it in 2017, will step down from her Managing Director role following a restructure that sees four permanent roles closing. Among those who have exited are Head of Production Martin Buckett.
Going forwards, Ross will partner with other labels in the Banijay stable as a freelance showrunner to produce programming under Sidney Street, which will remain a creative label within Banijay UK. She will also work with external companies on other projects.
Sidney Street is known for BBC One returner The Farmers’ Country Showdown and programs fronted by former Bake Off host Mary Berry such as Love to Cook, Mary Berry Cook & Share and Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts. Company chief Ross is known for helming BBC cooking...
Ross, who has led Sidney Street since founding it in 2017, will step down from her Managing Director role following a restructure that sees four permanent roles closing. Among those who have exited are Head of Production Martin Buckett.
Going forwards, Ross will partner with other labels in the Banijay stable as a freelance showrunner to produce programming under Sidney Street, which will remain a creative label within Banijay UK. She will also work with external companies on other projects.
Sidney Street is known for BBC One returner The Farmers’ Country Showdown and programs fronted by former Bake Off host Mary Berry such as Love to Cook, Mary Berry Cook & Share and Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts. Company chief Ross is known for helming BBC cooking...
- 2/2/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Lime Pictures Head of Unscripted Sarah Tyekiff is exiting as the Only Way is Essex indie forges a new popular factual division with All3Media stablemates Lion Television and Wise Owl Films.
A Chief Creative Officer, Unscripted, will be hired to head up the division imminently.
After five years overseeing the likes of Towie, Geordie Shore, Netflix format Dance Monsters and ABC’s Who Do You Believe?, Tyekiff is leaving to launch her own production outfit. The former ITV Studios exec’s past credits include I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Love Island.
Lime Creative Director, Unscripted, Rebecca Kenny-Smith, whose past credits include MasterChef and The Island, has been promoted to Director of Programing, Unscripted for the new division.
Lime Co-CEOs Kate Little and Claire Poyser wished Tyekiff “every success as she leaves Lime to fulfil a longheld ambition,” while Tyekiff said she has been on a...
A Chief Creative Officer, Unscripted, will be hired to head up the division imminently.
After five years overseeing the likes of Towie, Geordie Shore, Netflix format Dance Monsters and ABC’s Who Do You Believe?, Tyekiff is leaving to launch her own production outfit. The former ITV Studios exec’s past credits include I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Love Island.
Lime Creative Director, Unscripted, Rebecca Kenny-Smith, whose past credits include MasterChef and The Island, has been promoted to Director of Programing, Unscripted for the new division.
Lime Co-CEOs Kate Little and Claire Poyser wished Tyekiff “every success as she leaves Lime to fulfil a longheld ambition,” while Tyekiff said she has been on a...
- 1/11/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
BritBox, the ITV and the BBC’s streaming service, is set to roll out across the Nordics with a raft of original programming on April 28.
BritBox International will launch in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland, and will include BritBox Originals, exclusive new series, as well as TV classics.
The slate will boast true crime dramas “Stonehouse” (pictured), starring Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes and “The Thief, His Wife, and the Canoe,” starring Eddie Marsan; light-hearted murder mystery series “Sister Boniface Mysteries,” starring Lorna Watson and Jerry Iwu, on top of the lush period drama “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” with Sophie Cookson and Jodhi May. New titles will also bow on the streamer every month, for instance Idris Elba’s “Fight School” and “Anne” starring award-winner Maxine Peake.
Britbox kicked off its international roll out with launches in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
“Adding fresh Originals to...
BritBox International will launch in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland, and will include BritBox Originals, exclusive new series, as well as TV classics.
The slate will boast true crime dramas “Stonehouse” (pictured), starring Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes and “The Thief, His Wife, and the Canoe,” starring Eddie Marsan; light-hearted murder mystery series “Sister Boniface Mysteries,” starring Lorna Watson and Jerry Iwu, on top of the lush period drama “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” with Sophie Cookson and Jodhi May. New titles will also bow on the streamer every month, for instance Idris Elba’s “Fight School” and “Anne” starring award-winner Maxine Peake.
Britbox kicked off its international roll out with launches in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
“Adding fresh Originals to...
- 4/21/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Anjani Patel will replace outgoing head of diversity Joyce Adeluwoye-Adams.
Trade association Pact (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television) has announced the appointment of Anjani Patel as its new head of diversity.
Patel, who has been working for Creative Skillset on diversity projects since April, will replace Joyce Adeluwoye-Adams who is joining the BBC as head of diversity in October.
Patel previously worked at the BBC as talent manager for BBC Drama, and has produced and directed several programmes including Come Dine With Me and Masterchef Goes Large.
On her appointment, Anjani said: “I am thrilled to be joining Pact at such an exciting time for diversity in television. With Pact the current Chair of Cdn and Project Diamond under way, there is potential for real progress in this area.”
John McVay, Pact’s chief executive, said: “We are very much looking forward to Anjani coming to work with us as she brings with her a wealth...
Trade association Pact (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television) has announced the appointment of Anjani Patel as its new head of diversity.
Patel, who has been working for Creative Skillset on diversity projects since April, will replace Joyce Adeluwoye-Adams who is joining the BBC as head of diversity in October.
Patel previously worked at the BBC as talent manager for BBC Drama, and has produced and directed several programmes including Come Dine With Me and Masterchef Goes Large.
On her appointment, Anjani said: “I am thrilled to be joining Pact at such an exciting time for diversity in television. With Pact the current Chair of Cdn and Project Diamond under way, there is potential for real progress in this area.”
John McVay, Pact’s chief executive, said: “We are very much looking forward to Anjani coming to work with us as she brings with her a wealth...
- 9/9/2015
- ScreenDaily
Celebrity chef Michael Roux Jr has criticised the "hypocritical" and "two-faced" BBC.
Roux Jr discussed the broadcaster's decision to replace him as presenter of MasterChef: The Professionals earlier in the year because of a "conflict in commercial interests".
The dispute with the broadcaster arose due to his commercial agreements with Albert Bartlett potatoes.
Speaking to Business First, Roux said: "My view on the BBC is that they are run by a bunch of bureaucrats that adhere to an outdated editorial policy."
He added: "And I do feel that they are hypocritical and that they are two-faced. There are lots of other TV presenters - not just chefs - who endorse products openly, do not toe the line and are allowed to get away with it.
"There were so many precedents to this situation of openly endorsing a product for financial gain - several outrageously big precedents before me - but...
Roux Jr discussed the broadcaster's decision to replace him as presenter of MasterChef: The Professionals earlier in the year because of a "conflict in commercial interests".
The dispute with the broadcaster arose due to his commercial agreements with Albert Bartlett potatoes.
Speaking to Business First, Roux said: "My view on the BBC is that they are run by a bunch of bureaucrats that adhere to an outdated editorial policy."
He added: "And I do feel that they are hypocritical and that they are two-faced. There are lots of other TV presenters - not just chefs - who endorse products openly, do not toe the line and are allowed to get away with it.
"There were so many precedents to this situation of openly endorsing a product for financial gain - several outrageously big precedents before me - but...
- 11/5/2014
- Digital Spy
Feature Andrew Blair 15 Nov 2013 - 16:37
Andrew talks us through the best of the Eighth Doctor Audio Adventures from Big Finish. No particular reason...
Contains spoilers for The Night of the Doctor and several Big Finish plays.
Now is a very good time to start investigating the Eighth Doctor stories from Big Finish audio productions. If you don't know why, you should probably look here immediately, and maybe have some coffee.
Mentioned in The Night of the Doctor are the names of the Eighth Doctor's audio companions: Charley Pollard, C'rizz, Lucie Miller, Tamsin Drew and Molly O'Sullivan. The reason this is a big deal is that the Eighth Doctor had previously only appeared in one television story (1996's Doctor Who TV movie), and as a result multiple continuities had opened up across novels, comics and audioplays. The audioplays are still ongoing, and have now been tentatively slotted into the TV continuity.
Andrew talks us through the best of the Eighth Doctor Audio Adventures from Big Finish. No particular reason...
Contains spoilers for The Night of the Doctor and several Big Finish plays.
Now is a very good time to start investigating the Eighth Doctor stories from Big Finish audio productions. If you don't know why, you should probably look here immediately, and maybe have some coffee.
Mentioned in The Night of the Doctor are the names of the Eighth Doctor's audio companions: Charley Pollard, C'rizz, Lucie Miller, Tamsin Drew and Molly O'Sullivan. The reason this is a big deal is that the Eighth Doctor had previously only appeared in one television story (1996's Doctor Who TV movie), and as a result multiple continuities had opened up across novels, comics and audioplays. The audioplays are still ongoing, and have now been tentatively slotted into the TV continuity.
- 11/15/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Carol Vorderman has insisted that Simon Cowell is not involved in the production of new cookery show Food Glorious Food.
The series has been billed as 'the X Factor of cooking', after Cowell admitted that his love of home cooking was the reason for wanting to be involved in the project.
However, presenter of the series Carol Vorderman stated the programme was more Antiques Roadshow than X Factor.
In an interview with Digital Spy, she said: "It's [Cowell's] company Syco, who are a co-production on the show, but he's not been hands-on in it.
"He obviously knows about it because it's one of his company's programmes. He loves the edit that he's seen so far, but I really don't want you to think that he's actively involved in this.
"This is not X Factor. It's not like that at all. It's got a very British feel and it's very eccentric."
Vorderman...
The series has been billed as 'the X Factor of cooking', after Cowell admitted that his love of home cooking was the reason for wanting to be involved in the project.
However, presenter of the series Carol Vorderman stated the programme was more Antiques Roadshow than X Factor.
In an interview with Digital Spy, she said: "It's [Cowell's] company Syco, who are a co-production on the show, but he's not been hands-on in it.
"He obviously knows about it because it's one of his company's programmes. He loves the edit that he's seen so far, but I really don't want you to think that he's actively involved in this.
"This is not X Factor. It's not like that at all. It's got a very British feel and it's very eccentric."
Vorderman...
- 2/20/2013
- Digital Spy
Simon Cowell's latest TV project, Food Glorious Food, will debut on Wednesday, February 27, it has been confirmed.
Hosted by Carol Vorderman, the series is being billed as the "Antiques Roadshow of food" and "X Factor for cooking".
The show is searching for Britain's best recipe and the winner will have their dish on the shelves at Marks & Spencer and bag a £20,000 prize.
Joining Vorderman will be four judges; food writer Tom Parker Bowles, former MasterChef contestant Stacie Stewart, ex-MasterChef host and food connoisseur Lloyd Grossman and vice-chairwoman of the Wi Anne Harrison.
Speaking about the project last year, Cowell said: "I love home cooking, which is one of the reasons I wanted to make this show.
"No-one can make roast potatoes like my mum and I'm sure lots of people feel the same way about their family recipes.
This is not a show for snobs. This is giving...
Hosted by Carol Vorderman, the series is being billed as the "Antiques Roadshow of food" and "X Factor for cooking".
The show is searching for Britain's best recipe and the winner will have their dish on the shelves at Marks & Spencer and bag a £20,000 prize.
Joining Vorderman will be four judges; food writer Tom Parker Bowles, former MasterChef contestant Stacie Stewart, ex-MasterChef host and food connoisseur Lloyd Grossman and vice-chairwoman of the Wi Anne Harrison.
Speaking about the project last year, Cowell said: "I love home cooking, which is one of the reasons I wanted to make this show.
"No-one can make roast potatoes like my mum and I'm sure lots of people feel the same way about their family recipes.
This is not a show for snobs. This is giving...
- 2/15/2013
- Digital Spy
Tim Anderson beat Sara Danesin and Tom Whitaker and last night became the youngest contestant to win Masterchef UK.
The 26 year old American bar manager impressed judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace throughout the series with his experimental cooking and his culinary flair and for his three course meal on yesterday’s final show, Anderson whipped up three burgers for a starter, truffled lobster and Japanese noodles for his main course, followed by a selection of British puddings for dessert.
On hearing the news about his win, Tim said:
‘It is such a good feeling. I’m very proud of the accomplishment and I’m just so glad that John and Gregg liked my food.
‘Tom and Sara are outstanding cooks and I never really thought I had a chance to beat either of them.
‘Looking back on all the amazing cooks that left before me, it is really quite...
The 26 year old American bar manager impressed judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace throughout the series with his experimental cooking and his culinary flair and for his three course meal on yesterday’s final show, Anderson whipped up three burgers for a starter, truffled lobster and Japanese noodles for his main course, followed by a selection of British puddings for dessert.
On hearing the news about his win, Tim said:
‘It is such a good feeling. I’m very proud of the accomplishment and I’m just so glad that John and Gregg liked my food.
‘Tom and Sara are outstanding cooks and I never really thought I had a chance to beat either of them.
‘Looking back on all the amazing cooks that left before me, it is really quite...
- 4/28/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Tim Anderson has become the youngest ever amateur winner of MasterChef. The 26-year-old American triumphed over Sara Danesin and Tom Whitaker in tonight's final and was awarded the coveted title by judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode. Anderson grew up in Racine, Wisconsin with his parents and brother, before moving to La to attend college aged 18. He has been married to his wife Laura for three years and lives in North London, where he is currently working at a craft beer bar near Euston Station. In this evening's final three-course meal challenge, Anderson dished up a starter of Tri-City Sliders (The Los Angeles Slider of wagyu tartare, smoky lime and jalapeño marmalade, avocado and butter bean mousse, The Tokyo slider of monkfish liver, umeboshi ketchup, jellied ponzu, matcha mayonnaise and The London Slider of curried lamb cheeseburger, apple (more)...
- 4/27/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
MasterChef judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode have revealed what they would cook for Prince William and Kate Middleton's guests if they were in charge of the royal wedding meal. The duo described their plans while speaking to Absolute Radio's Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show this morning ahead of the MasterChef grand final tonight. Wallace said: "Well, we're in London - we'd have a great big tray of sea food - whelks, cockles, crabsticks - to start. "Then they'd be tucking into some proper spring lamb, followed by rhubarb crumble and custard. A true celebration of British cockney food. Then they'd have a right old knees-up." Torode added: "I would go for something similar to Greg. (more)...
- 4/27/2011
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
The MasterChef finals are firing up as the three exceptional finalists face their penultimate challenge: cooking for some of the world’s greatest chefs.
The pressure is on as the amateurs arrive in the eating-out capital of the world, New York. With just 24 hours in the city they must prove they can cook with the best. Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace send them to three of New York’s finest restaurants: Gramercy Tavern, one of the city’s most popular, long-standing dining institutions run by executive chef Michael Anthony; Picholine, a two-starred establishment under chef patron and master of Mediterranean cuisine, Terrance Brennan; and wd-50, a cutting-edge restaurant on the Lower East Side run by maverick chef Wylie Dufresne. The three amateurs have to dig deep and show true grit if they are to survive lunch service and master dishes at this high level.
Then it’s back to the UK,...
The pressure is on as the amateurs arrive in the eating-out capital of the world, New York. With just 24 hours in the city they must prove they can cook with the best. Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace send them to three of New York’s finest restaurants: Gramercy Tavern, one of the city’s most popular, long-standing dining institutions run by executive chef Michael Anthony; Picholine, a two-starred establishment under chef patron and master of Mediterranean cuisine, Terrance Brennan; and wd-50, a cutting-edge restaurant on the Lower East Side run by maverick chef Wylie Dufresne. The three amateurs have to dig deep and show true grit if they are to survive lunch service and master dishes at this high level.
Then it’s back to the UK,...
- 4/26/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
John Torode and Gregg Wallace have been confirmed as the first duo to co-host an episode of Have I Got News For You. The Masterchef pair will present the Friday, May 13 edition of the BBC's political panel show. "It's brilliant being on Have I Got News For You," Wallace said. "I've watched it for years
and never dreamed I'd ever be on it. Mum's going to be so proud!" Torode added: "Have I Got News For You is a fantastic show and I'm really excited to be
asked to be part of the first ever double act to host it. Quizzes (more)...
and never dreamed I'd ever be on it. Mum's going to be so proud!" Torode added: "Have I Got News For You is a fantastic show and I'm really excited to be
asked to be part of the first ever double act to host it. Quizzes (more)...
- 4/21/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Sara Danesin, Tim Anderson and Tom Whitaker have been chosen as this year's MasterChef finalists. Mother-of-two Jackie Kearney missed out on the final cut after a series of molecular gastronomy challenges and a final cook-off for judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace on tonight's show. Speaking to Digital Spy about her experiences on the programme, Kearney said: "It's about being flawless in that moment and I wasn't flawless. That's a very hard thing to take because you know it's a great dish and it works, but it's a competition and on one day one person runs faster than another person. "I have so much respect for the other three, and absolute respect to them. Especially now I've had time to deal with it, I don't feel bad (more)...
- 4/20/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
MasterChef’s last four amateur cooks are pushed to the extreme edges of modern culinary invention as they battle for a place in the final three.
Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace send the contestants to Madrid to learn from Paco Roncero, a master in the art of molecular gastronomy and prodigy of the most influential chef of his time, Ferran Adria of elBulli. It’s the first time amateurs have ever set foot in Paco’s kitchen, Casino de Madrid, and it’s a steep and scientific learning curve. The amateurs must don their goggles as they battle with new processes such as spherification and using liquid nitrogen in order to prepare four of Paco’s signature dishes for the master himself. With dishes like Paco’s carbonara on the menu – a reconstructed egg and bacon cream shell on consommé noodles – the cooks must hold their nerve if they...
Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace send the contestants to Madrid to learn from Paco Roncero, a master in the art of molecular gastronomy and prodigy of the most influential chef of his time, Ferran Adria of elBulli. It’s the first time amateurs have ever set foot in Paco’s kitchen, Casino de Madrid, and it’s a steep and scientific learning curve. The amateurs must don their goggles as they battle with new processes such as spherification and using liquid nitrogen in order to prepare four of Paco’s signature dishes for the master himself. With dishes like Paco’s carbonara on the menu – a reconstructed egg and bacon cream shell on consommé noodles – the cooks must hold their nerve if they...
- 4/19/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Gregg Wallace has admitted that he would love to join the lineup for this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The ‘MasterChef’ star loves the BBC dance competition and admitted that he is so desperate to take part, he would even do it for free.
He said: “I’d like to do it so you wouldn’t have to pay me. I just need the time. I’m a great dancer.”
While Gregg may be confident of his dancing abilities, his ‘MasterChef’ partner John Torode is under no illusions about his skills, but would also be willing to take part.
He said: “Gregg’s a far better dancer than I am but I’d love to learn.”
Gregg added to Radio Times magazine: “John’s the chef but I’m the one with rhythm. John’s only got rhythm if he’s beating an egg.”
If Gregg does take part in...
The ‘MasterChef’ star loves the BBC dance competition and admitted that he is so desperate to take part, he would even do it for free.
He said: “I’d like to do it so you wouldn’t have to pay me. I just need the time. I’m a great dancer.”
While Gregg may be confident of his dancing abilities, his ‘MasterChef’ partner John Torode is under no illusions about his skills, but would also be willing to take part.
He said: “Gregg’s a far better dancer than I am but I’d love to learn.”
Gregg added to Radio Times magazine: “John’s the chef but I’m the one with rhythm. John’s only got rhythm if he’s beating an egg.”
If Gregg does take part in...
- 4/19/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Gregg Wallace wants to take part in 'Strictly Come Dancing'. The 'MasterChef' star is a huge fan of the BBC One dance competition, and has revealed he is so desperate to be asked he doesn't even want to be paid for his appearance. He said: "I'd like to do it so you wouldn't have to pay me. I just need the time. I'm a great dancer." While Gregg may be confident of his dancing abilities, his 'MasterChef' partner John Torode is under no illusions about his skills, but would also be willing to take part. He said: "Gregg's a far better...
- 4/19/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has revealed that his first TV crush was for the Cadbury's Caramel rabbit. Wallace claimed that the chocolate bar ad campaigns from the '80s and '90s, which were voiced in Britain by Miriam Margolyes, were "sexy". "The Cadbury's Caramel rabbit: those long legs, that pert bum, the way she would lean over and drawl, 'Slow down, Mister Beaver' in that seductive West Country (more)...
- 4/18/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
MasterChef duo Gregg Wallace and John Torode have confirmed that they would like to take part in Strictly Come Dancing. The TV duo, who previously hinted at an interest in the BBC One reality series during an interview with Digital Spy, said that they would like to compete on the show if they ever have enough time in their schedules. "I'd like to do it so you wouldn't have to pay me. I just need the time. I'm a great dancer," Wallace told the Radio Times. Torode said: (more)...
- 4/18/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Wassup, rockers. It's been a poor week for television, and I only have dregs of exisiting programmes to offer you. Is this Recession Britain, at long last? Has everything decent totally disappeared? Where is the effervescent cauldron of creativity that once was? Is the whole country just sitting back, watching DVDs of "The Killing" and waiting for "Doctor Who"'s sexy return? Anyway, here are the remains of the day. Enjoy!
Masterchef
Upon first viewing, I originally dismissed this new season of "Masterchef" -- the show that promises to find the best amateur cook in Britain, even though surely the best amateur cook in Britain wouldn't have waited so many seasons to reveal himself or herself . The early elimination rounds had been souped up into really overheated drama and were somehow not as compelling as they had used to be in past seasons, which often found hapless wannabes cooking inedible...
Masterchef
Upon first viewing, I originally dismissed this new season of "Masterchef" -- the show that promises to find the best amateur cook in Britain, even though surely the best amateur cook in Britain wouldn't have waited so many seasons to reveal himself or herself . The early elimination rounds had been souped up into really overheated drama and were somehow not as compelling as they had used to be in past seasons, which often found hapless wannabes cooking inedible...
- 4/15/2011
- by Dustin Rowles
Thanks to the format shake-up and thrilling supersize challenges, the latest series of MasterChef has been the most exciting to date. With wedding party dinners, croquembouche and a meal for World War II veterans among the latest tasks, the toughest tests may be yet to come. We spoke to "spoon for hire" and MasterChef legend Gregg Wallace about the final four contestants - Jackie, Sara, Tim and Tom - to get his verdict on the finalists. Jackie Kearney
"Temperament aside, Jackie has cooked some of the best vegetarian food that I've ever eaten. It's amazing that a vegetarian has got so far when you consider what's taken out of her repertoire. It's nothing short of amazing. She does get very emotional. You could call it emotion, you could call it a flap or you can call it passion. I don't mind how people's passions come out (more)...
"Temperament aside, Jackie has cooked some of the best vegetarian food that I've ever eaten. It's amazing that a vegetarian has got so far when you consider what's taken out of her repertoire. It's nothing short of amazing. She does get very emotional. You could call it emotion, you could call it a flap or you can call it passion. I don't mind how people's passions come out (more)...
- 4/13/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Only four exceptional amateur cooks remain in the culinary battle to become this year’s MasterChef. Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace ask the amateurs to overcome their greatest weakness – pastry – and set them three daunting challenges.
First off it’s a masterclass with the king of patisserie, Michel Roux, in the art of making one of the most challenging cakes of all time: the croquembouche, a perfect tower of choux pastry buns filled with crème patissiere and bound with spun sugar. Following the lesson, the four have just three hours to rise to the challenge and make their first ever croquembouche for Michel Roux to taste. Tension runs high in the MasterChef kitchen as the amateurs struggle with their choux, delicately build them up, and then, with bated breath, remove their mould to see the towers of their labour. Will they stand tall or fall flat for the maestro?...
First off it’s a masterclass with the king of patisserie, Michel Roux, in the art of making one of the most challenging cakes of all time: the croquembouche, a perfect tower of choux pastry buns filled with crème patissiere and bound with spun sugar. Following the lesson, the four have just three hours to rise to the challenge and make their first ever croquembouche for Michel Roux to taste. Tension runs high in the MasterChef kitchen as the amateurs struggle with their choux, delicately build them up, and then, with bated breath, remove their mould to see the towers of their labour. Will they stand tall or fall flat for the maestro?...
- 4/12/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
John Torode has said that he thinks MasterChef's revised format makes it harder for people to "beat the system". Speaking to The Sun, the chef said that the new format - a move which encountered criticism from regular viewers of the BBC One show - rewards people with a breadth of knowledge about cooking. He said: "People try to beat the system. It's human nature. Then you don't end up with a competition because they will try to work out how the format works at each stage. "In the last series people would do that and you would then find they didn't (more)...
- 4/11/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Annie Assheton became the latest contestant to be eliminated from MasterChef tonight. The mother and part-time administrator failed to make it into the top five after cooking for 150 students at New College, Oxford. Speaking to Digital Spy, Assheton admitted that the dish she made for guest judge Michel Roux Jr. was "a bit of a disaster" but revealed that she was "devastated" that she had to leave the competition. "I just regret that hour and a half so much," she said. "I've recooked those (more)...
- 3/30/2011
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Alice Taylor, the latest contestant to be eliminated from MasterChef, has claimed that she was "shocked" by John Torode and Gregg Wallace's verdict. Taylor missed out on a spot in the Top 6 after failing to impress the judges in a fine dining challenge with celebrity caterer Bertie de Rougemont. However, speaking to Digital Spy, Taylor said that she thought she had proved her value in the competition with her performances in earlier rounds. "The previous week they had been very lenient with people going through with things like soups and fritters. I thought there was no screw-up with my dish, it was just not to their taste. To go home was a real 'wow' and I was really upset," she said. "I tried not to show it on the programme. I was gutted. (more)...
- 3/23/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Scottish cellist Kennedy Leitch became the latest MasterChef contestant to be voted off the show tonight. The 33-year-old from Glasgow failed to make the cut for the top seven after a week of vegetarian challenges from John Torode and Gregg Wallace. All the hopeful chefs were set a MasterChef kitchen task by guest mentor Yotam Ottolenghi, asked to cook meals for a circus on location in South London, and - in the finale - put through a vegetarian invention test. Speaking to Digital Spy about his exit from the (more)...
- 3/16/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Polly Oxby has become the latest contestant to be eliminated from MasterChef. John Torode and Gregg Wallace voted the full-time mum out of the competition after she had failed to show enough creativity with her dishes in the latest round of challenges. The tasks for the final nine contestants this evening included cooking for paying customers under the guidance of some of London's top chefs and taking part in a blind invention test. Speaking about her time on the show, Oxby told Digital Spy: "I was gutted that the whole experience had come to an end. I'd always known that I wasn't the (more)...
- 3/9/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
A ‘Masterchef’ challenge descended into disarray recently, when a contestant slipped up and managed to slice off the top of his finger.
In scenes which will air on the BBC One cookery show tonight, professional cello player Kennedy Leitch was rushed to medics for emergency treatment after he accidentally chopped off part of the digit whilst peeling potatoes for his task.
The musician – who plays with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra – had the top of his middle finger glued back on by doctors who were called to the scene by concerned show bosses.
As part of the tough challenge, Kennedy and his fellow nine ‘Masterchef’ finalists were helping to peel 20 kilograms of neeps and tatties to accompany a venison dish to serve to some 100 competitors at the Invercharron Highland Games in Scotland.
However, after recovering from the incident, the skilled cellist admitted the finger he injured was the most crucial to his career.
In scenes which will air on the BBC One cookery show tonight, professional cello player Kennedy Leitch was rushed to medics for emergency treatment after he accidentally chopped off part of the digit whilst peeling potatoes for his task.
The musician – who plays with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra – had the top of his middle finger glued back on by doctors who were called to the scene by concerned show bosses.
As part of the tough challenge, Kennedy and his fellow nine ‘Masterchef’ finalists were helping to peel 20 kilograms of neeps and tatties to accompany a venison dish to serve to some 100 competitors at the Invercharron Highland Games in Scotland.
However, after recovering from the incident, the skilled cellist admitted the finger he injured was the most crucial to his career.
- 3/2/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
John Torode and Gregg Wallace have revealed their Top 10 contestants for this year's MasterChef. The final 12 chefs were challenged to cook a three course meal for all the previous winners and notable finalists from the BBC cookery series. Each contestant was given a course and created a dish that they had to make on request for the special guest diners. After completing the task, which involved Torode 'running the pass' (more)...
- 2/25/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Hello all. This week we have a new take on a classic by Andrew Davies, a cookery show outstaying its welcome, and a new legal drama from Peter Moffatt. Dem's the shows: let's get right to the bitchy take-down of them, eh?
South Riding
The scene: the office of Andrew Davies, famous screenwriter behind the adaptations of "Bleak House," "Middlemarch," and "Pride & Prejudice" (the one with Colin Firth and the pond). Andrew Davies is sitting at a desk piled high with Penguin Classics.
Andrew Davies: (Sigh)
A young man enters. It's Peter, Andrew Davies' assistant.
Andrew Davies: Well, what have you got?
Peter: Mr Davies, sir, I...
Andrew Davies (shouting): Call me Andy! So? What classics have you got for me?
Peter: Well, I've been reading Tolstoy like you told me to, and...
Andrew Davies: Yes, boy, yes, yes? Can I adapt him? Is he any good?...
South Riding
The scene: the office of Andrew Davies, famous screenwriter behind the adaptations of "Bleak House," "Middlemarch," and "Pride & Prejudice" (the one with Colin Firth and the pond). Andrew Davies is sitting at a desk piled high with Penguin Classics.
Andrew Davies: (Sigh)
A young man enters. It's Peter, Andrew Davies' assistant.
Andrew Davies: Well, what have you got?
Peter: Mr Davies, sir, I...
Andrew Davies (shouting): Call me Andy! So? What classics have you got for me?
Peter: Well, I've been reading Tolstoy like you told me to, and...
Andrew Davies: Yes, boy, yes, yes? Can I adapt him? Is he any good?...
- 2/24/2011
- by Dustin Rowles
The winner of the first series of MasterChef has criticised the show for becoming more like The X Factor. The new series of the BBC One show saw a number of changes made, including the addition of auditions to replace the usual heats. However, Joan Buntin - who won the competition in 1990 - told The Mirror that the programme is now chasing ratings. "The BBC know that X Factor and Britain's Got Talent are ITV shows that work and they need to copy the format if they’re going to survive," she said. "MasterChef is all about the drama. In my day it was more about cooking, now it’s more about the show and personalities - it has to be if John Torode and Gregg Wallace want to keep their jobs." She continued: "I find parts (more)...
- 2/23/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
The BBC has responded to complaints about changes that have made to the format of MasterChef. The seventh series of the BBC One show began last week with a revamped set and a number of changes to the format - including the addition of auditions in front of judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode instead of the weekly heats. However, the BBC confirmed that complaints have been received from viewers who are "unhappy" with the changes. "The MasterChef team have been making the series since it started again in 2005 with John and Gregg and hoped viewers would enjoy the new energy they'd given the show by dropping the heat," the broadcaster said in an official response. "The level (more)...
- 2/21/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Gregg Wallace and John Torode have admitted that they love all the MasterChef YouTube spoofs. The BBC One show's judges admitted that they had watched the online videos, which included a 'Top 10 MasterChef Innuendos' and a comedy reworking of the Professionals series. "I think it's just brilliant," said Torode. "The one where Michel Roux says, 'the presentation of that is stunning', and then the camera pans down to an ice cream with a cone for a hat and little Smartie eyes, is genius. "And then to top it off Gregg says, 'That is a thing of beauty'. It is just brilliant. The thing about these spoofs is the time they must have spent doing them is incredible. It is just absolutely fantastic. I think it is done with affection." (more)...
- 2/18/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
John Torode and Gregg Wallace have selected their final 20 MasterChef contestants for the 2011 series. In last night's second auditions show, the judges handed out nine more MasterChef aprons to the best cooks. Mother-of-two Annie was the first contestant to get Gregg and John's approval after serving up a dish of sea bream, followed by 40-year-old Jackie, who impressed with a paneer shashlik. Other success stories included recently-engaged Tom, who wowed with a saddle of hare, and current Miss Swansea, 23-year-old Alice, who made pan-fried duck, and 41-year-old Nicky who plated up boozy chocolate orange profiteroles with (more)...
- 2/18/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
John Torode and Gregg Wallace selected 11 finalists from the first round of MasterChef contestants last night. Children's hospital worker Paul was the first cook handed a MasterChef apron after impressing the judges with a dish of mackerel fillets wrapped in bread with rhubarb sauce and an apple, radish and frisée salad. He was followed into the next stage of the competition by 26-year-old Tim, who got two yes votes for his cod tempura and Japanese sweet potato wedges with dipping sauces. Other success stories were 24-year-old carpenter James, who served up roasted duck breast on red cabbage, photographer Matthew and Italian Sarah, who almost reduced Wallace to tears with her homemade tagliarini. Royal Scottish National Orchestra cellist (more)...
- 2/17/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
MasterChef judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace have admitted to resolving their fights over contestants down the pub. The duo, who will return for the BBC One show's seventh series tonight, also revealed that they once had so many drinks trying to resolve a dispute that they had to call a halt to filming. "Once we argued so badly [about a contestant] that the next day we had a break in filming and went and had a pint - then three or four pints," (more)...
- 2/16/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Gregg Wallace and John Torode have admitted that they are very proud of all the MasterChef winners' ongoing success. Torode said that the BBC One cookery reality show had a greater hit rate than programmes such as X Factor because there was no element of "celebrity" involved in the series. "One thing that is very different about MasterChef is that winning the show is not about becoming a celebrity," he told Digital Spy. "The end of MasterChef is about living the dream that you have dreamt. We don't dictate what you have to do. "You do something on X Factor, you have to become a popstar. You do Big Brother people say that you should become a celebrity. That doesn't happen on MasterChef." He added: "I'm really proud of all of the winners. I'm really proud that they have (more)...
- 2/15/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Gregg Wallace has revealed that he acted as translator for one MasterChef cook who couldn't understand John Torode. The fruit and veg expert said that Torode and an army colonel had a complete communication breakdown on the new series, because neither could decipher the other person's accent. "There was one old guy, who was a colonel. He was very, very old school. He was very proper and a stereotypical army colonel," said Wallace. "But John couldn't understand him and he couldn't understand John. "John would say in his Aussie accent, 'What you (more)...
- 2/14/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
MasterChef star Gregg Wallace has revealed that contestants are wasting their time with sob stories on the show. Wallace said that he ignores the hopeful chefs' pleas when they talk about their "passion" for food, claiming that his verdict always comes down to what is delivered on the plate. "A lot of jargon comes out and lots of people talk about their passion and love for local ingredients," he told Digital Spy. "But actually... we're not that interested in hearing that. (more)...
- 2/14/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
The seventh series of BBC One's MasterChef will feature a revamped set and a new format. Hosts and judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode will return next Wednesday to hunt for the country's best amateur chef. However, in a new twist, the pair will audition hopefuls one by one. Exec editor Karen Ross said: "We were keen to drop our six weeks of heats where John and Gregg see up to 132 people. But we still had to give them the chance to choose the final 20 that go into the competition and also to find the best cooks. "MasterChef can't work if people can't cook. So the auditions were the perfect way to do it." The auditions will feature the hopefuls cooking for 45 minutes with their own ingredients, before having a final 10 minutes in the judges' room to complete their dish. Torode and Wallace will have to agree afterwards (more)...
- 2/10/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
John Torode has revealed that the upcoming series of Masterchef will begin with a never-before-seen twist. In a change to the BBC cooking competition's format, the judging duo will now be involved in the audition process, where approximately 200 amateurs will attempt to win a place on the show by cooking up a tasty meal from a selection of ingredients they brought along. Torode explained to the Daily Mail: "Gregg and I are now involved in the previously un-filmed audition process, so we get to taste even more food than ever. "We realised that some good cooks were falling by the wayside because they (more)...
- 1/29/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Masterchef: The Professionals
The concept of "Masterchef" is as follows: the only people left in the country who don't want to achieve fame via Simon Cowell-approved "talent" contests, attempt to achieve fame and glory by becoming Britain's "masterchef." The amateurs audition by cooking some sort of dumb dish out of a selection of ingredients (usually scallops on a bed of pea puree) for the judges, then cooking in a professional restaurant and then making more dishes for panels of experts etcetera etcetera etcetera until there are only a few people left in the competition and finally one of them makes a monk-fish tartare with pancetta tuiles and salsifi quenelles on a bed of chilli-infused bouillabaisse that is so divine that he or she wins it. It's one of the best programmes on television. Suck it, "Mad Men."
What makes "Masterchef" so hilariously addictive are the judges: John Torode, a kind of surly,...
The concept of "Masterchef" is as follows: the only people left in the country who don't want to achieve fame via Simon Cowell-approved "talent" contests, attempt to achieve fame and glory by becoming Britain's "masterchef." The amateurs audition by cooking some sort of dumb dish out of a selection of ingredients (usually scallops on a bed of pea puree) for the judges, then cooking in a professional restaurant and then making more dishes for panels of experts etcetera etcetera etcetera until there are only a few people left in the competition and finally one of them makes a monk-fish tartare with pancetta tuiles and salsifi quenelles on a bed of chilli-infused bouillabaisse that is so divine that he or she wins it. It's one of the best programmes on television. Suck it, "Mad Men."
What makes "Masterchef" so hilariously addictive are the judges: John Torode, a kind of surly,...
- 11/4/2010
- by Dustin Rowles
Lisa Faulkner has been offered a job by the 'MasterChef' judges. The former 'Spooks' star - was crowned this year's 'Celebrity MasterChef' champion - has revealed that judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace have both invited her to work alongside them in their restaurants. She explained: ''They said that I could come and work in their kitchens, so I'd love to take them up on that, but I'm hoping that it doesn't mean just chopping veg or washing pots. ''I think the thing is that I'm desperate to just keep learning, because I've got this whole passion for cooking and I just want ..
- 9/3/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
BBC One has announced that it has commissioned a new series of MasterChef. The programme, hosted by John Torode and Gregg Wallace, will move to a new kitchen to allow for a bigger group of contestants. During the 15 one-hour episodes, Torode and Wallace will audition chefs chosen from the 20,000 applicants. Viewers will then be able to follow the 20 best amateur cooks as they face a number of different challenges in a battle for the MasterChef title. "Although we have always enjoyed the six weeks of heat shows to select the final eight semi-finalists, we are very excited to have the opportunity to start with a smaller group of cooks and follow them across the series," Shine TV's executive editor Karen Ross said. "It will allow viewers to see more development of the contestants (more)...
- 8/27/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Lisa Faulkner was seen last night being crowned as the winner of Masterchef 2010.
The former Holby City star faced Dick Strawbridge and Christine Hamilton in the final, but won judges Greg Wallace and John Torode over with her menu of goat’s cheese and red onion tartlet, monkfish and almond pannacotta. John particularly enjoyed the dish and praised her “natural touch and fantastic palate”
“I just wanted to prove to John and Greg that they had chosen the right person,” she told the cameras after winning.
“You know when something is going wrong because you see the camera come looming towards you and Greg bellowing at you but they are ultimately really kind and I am just in awe of both of them.
She added:
“I love it, I love cooking and since the show I just haven’t stopped.”
“I now cook all the time, I cook every day.
The former Holby City star faced Dick Strawbridge and Christine Hamilton in the final, but won judges Greg Wallace and John Torode over with her menu of goat’s cheese and red onion tartlet, monkfish and almond pannacotta. John particularly enjoyed the dish and praised her “natural touch and fantastic palate”
“I just wanted to prove to John and Greg that they had chosen the right person,” she told the cameras after winning.
“You know when something is going wrong because you see the camera come looming towards you and Greg bellowing at you but they are ultimately really kind and I am just in awe of both of them.
She added:
“I love it, I love cooking and since the show I just haven’t stopped.”
“I now cook all the time, I cook every day.
- 8/21/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Future contestants on 'MasterChef' may all have to live together. At the moment wannabe chefs taking part in the BBC show just compete against each other in the kitchen, but in the Australian version all the finalists stay in the same house and now the UK show could be following suit. Greg Wallace - who hosts the programme with Australian John Torode - said: ''It's led to great viewing figures. A quarter of the population watches in Oz and the 'Big Brother' element has a lot to do with it. ''The Australian version is being monitored carefully.'' When asked if he would be in favour ..
- 8/4/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Gregg Wallace has claimed that he feels like a rock 'n' roll star at the MasterChef Live show. The fruit and veg expert, who hosts and judges the hit BBC series with John Torode, said that the annual events around the UK had an incredible atmosphere. "The MasterChef Live events are just mental," he told Digital Spy. "It's the closest I've ever come to rock 'n' roll. It (more)...
- 7/19/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
MasterChef star John Torode has admitted that he would "love" to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. The Australian chef said that if he could find the time in his schedule, he would be interested in taking part in the BBC ballroom dancing competition. "The idea of dancing would be brilliant. You learn a skill. It's just whether you've got the time to do it. I'd love to do it," he told Digital Spy "John dances (more)...
- 7/19/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
It’s been four years since Encore published its Top 20 Directors and Producers list, and we felt it was time to compile a new, more comprehensive list that included professionals working across all areas – film, television and Tvc production – as well as the leaders and decision-makers that determine the direction of the industry.
Instead of having a limited list of panellists, we consulted with the main agencies and organisations, and also asked our readers to nominate their candidates. We ended up with a list of more than 200 screen industry professionals, and deciding the final 50 was indeed a difficult task. Of course, some other very influential and successful people didn’t make the final cut, but there were only 50 spots and too many talented men and women!
We hope you’ll enjoy – or not, and if so, debate it passionately – the selection of what will become our annual Power 50 list.
1. Christopher Mapp...
Instead of having a limited list of panellists, we consulted with the main agencies and organisations, and also asked our readers to nominate their candidates. We ended up with a list of more than 200 screen industry professionals, and deciding the final 50 was indeed a difficult task. Of course, some other very influential and successful people didn’t make the final cut, but there were only 50 spots and too many talented men and women!
We hope you’ll enjoy – or not, and if so, debate it passionately – the selection of what will become our annual Power 50 list.
1. Christopher Mapp...
- 6/22/2010
- by Miguel Gonzalez
- Encore Magazine
London -- Elisabeth Murdoch's Shine Group has hired Discovery exec Alden Mitchell and Channel 4 exec Lucinda Hicks to launch a new global business development division, it was announced Thursday.
The division aims to spearhead new international growth opportunities, looking at strategy, acquisitions and partnership projects in both existing and new markets.
Shine has expanded significantly over the past few years to include production assets in the U.S., U.K., Scandinavia, France, Australia and Germany, making such shows as "Masterchef," "Ashes to Ashes" and "Spooks."
Mitchell, currently vp of U.K. affiliate sales and business development at Discovery Networks International, will become senior vp global business development, while Hicks, currently strategy manager at Channel 4, joins as vp global business development. The new division will report into Shine Group President, Alex Mahon; Mitchell and Hicks will take up their respective posts in the summer.
The division aims to spearhead new international growth opportunities, looking at strategy, acquisitions and partnership projects in both existing and new markets.
Shine has expanded significantly over the past few years to include production assets in the U.S., U.K., Scandinavia, France, Australia and Germany, making such shows as "Masterchef," "Ashes to Ashes" and "Spooks."
Mitchell, currently vp of U.K. affiliate sales and business development at Discovery Networks International, will become senior vp global business development, while Hicks, currently strategy manager at Channel 4, joins as vp global business development. The new division will report into Shine Group President, Alex Mahon; Mitchell and Hicks will take up their respective posts in the summer.
- 6/3/2010
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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