Regular readers of LEM will know that I enjoy the collection of Master Chef programmes. Whether it’s the Professional, Amateur or Celebrity series I find it fascinating, in the latter two categories, the standard of cooking that is achieved. The new series of celebrity Master Chef has no official start date yet, but is likely to be September. As usual there is an array of ‘celebrities’ from actors, sportspeople to ‘reality’ TV ‘stars’. From the latter category there is Dr Alex George (Love Island) who was booted out of the series obviously because he was intelligent, immensely qualified and an all-round nice guy. I reckon he might do well. On the other side of the stove you have the dim wit (maybe not that dim as he has made a fortune from being thick) Joey Essex (TOWIE). ‘Nuff said. The oldest contestants are Martha Reeves (and the Vandellas) at 77 and Dame Sandra Rhodes 60’s Fashion designer) at 78. The ones I am looking forward to seeing progress are Jenny ‘The Vixen’ Ryan (The Chase), Oti Mabuse (Strictly Come Dancing) and Greg Rutherford (Olympic Gold Medal Long Jump 2012).

John Torode and Greg Wallace will once again be hosting the show along with invited industry guest chefs, previous winners and of course the ‘Critics’. It will again be entertaining and educational. My tip for the final four?

Dr Alex George — Oti Mabuse — Greg Rutherford — Jenny Ryan.

Taking bets!!