
Described as cross between Mastermind and Gladiators Iron Chef UK will hit our screens in April 2010 with muggins here as one of the judges!

It will run Monday-Friday 5pm on Channel 4, yes it’s the Come Dine With Me Slot starting in April.
During filming I had my camera to hand at all times as fellow judges Richard Johnson, Kate Spicer, Gizzi and Joanna Blythman amongst others tasted and judged some wonderful and some frankly not so wonderful dishes. Can it really be called a job sitting watching the preparation of world class food then being called upon to taste it? Well on this occasion yes. Thank you God.
Presenter Olly Smith is touted as being the next big thing. Warm, hilarious and with an energy that comes second only to a 50,000 gallon vat of Red Bull he and Nick Nairn present and commentate on what is going on in the gladiatorial arena that is the kitchen. One Iron Chef is pitted against 4 contenders. They must prepare a starter or main course, or in the Iron Chef’s case 2 of each using a mystery ingredient, within the alloted time.
Recorded as live the pressure is such that there is no room for error or the faint hearted.

You see the crux of the matter is until all cooks, Iron or otherwise get into the kitchen they have no idea what the secret ingredient is so they cannot plan ahead. It could be duck, mince, eggs, snails or dung they just don’t know.

So it really is a test of culinary knowledge, creative skills and speed of thought. Riveting to watch up close and riveting to watch on screen. April is the date when it will arrive like soda syphon in the face on your TV screen. Watch this space. (Cadet).
More behind the scenes exclusives to follow.