# Cooking with the Stars (British TV series)

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.

## 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.

## 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. 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.

## Series 1 (2021)

The celebrities competing in the first series, along with their professional chef mentors were announced on 17 May 2021. The series was won by Harry Judd, who was mentored by Nisha Katona.
| 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.
| Heat | Celebrity | Dish | Result |
| 1 | Johnny Vegas | Fillet Steak and Parsley Mash with Savoy Cabbage and Smoky Bacon | Safe |
| 1 | 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 |
| 2 | Naughty Boy | Pan Fried Scallops with Spring Pea Purée | In cook-off |

##### Cook-off

| Celebrity | Dish | Result |
| Harry Judd | Baked Alaska | Safe |
| Naughty Boy | Baked Alaska | 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.
| Heat | Celebrity | Dish | Result |
| 1 | Griff Rhys Jones | Pan Fried Salmon with Borlotti Bean and Cavolo Nero Stew and Walnut Pesto | Safe |
| 1 | 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 |
| 2 | 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 | Panna Cotta | 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.
| 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 |
| 1 | Johnny Vegas | Goan Chicken Xacuti with Fragrant Basmati Rice and Chapatis | In cook-off |
| 1 | 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 |
| 2 | Harry Judd | 'Bridal Thali' Butter Chicken, Tandoori Lamb Chops, South Indian Coconut Meatballs with Fragrant Cardamom Rice | Safe |
| 2 | 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 | Samosas | 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.
| Heat | Celebrity | Dish | Result |
| 1 | Shirley Ballas | Sole Meunière with French Fries and Garlic Aioli | In cook-off |
| 1 | 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 |
| 2 | AJ Odudu | Bourride of Seabass, Sole and Langoustines | Safe |
| 2 | Denise van Outen | Coq Au Vin with Polenta | Safe |

##### Cook-off

| Celebrity | Dish | Result |
| Shirley Ballas | Chocolate Soufflé | Eliminated |
| Harry Judd | Chocolate Soufflé | 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.
| Heat | Celebrity | Dish | Result |
| 1 | Johnny Vegas | Surf & Turf Laksa Noodle Soup and Roti Prata | In cook-off |
| 1 | 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 |
| 2 | 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 | Pork Dumplings with a Chilli Dipping Sauce | 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.
| 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 | Seared Tuna Steak with Crushed New Potatoes and Peppery Greens | 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. The series was won by Dr. Ranj Singh, who was mentored by Clodagh McKenna.
| 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.
| Heat | Celebrity | Dish | Result |
| 1 | Joe Wilkinson | Fish & Chips with Kimchi Tartare Sauce | In cook-off |
| 1 | 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 |
| 2 | 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 | Lemon Meringue Pie | 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.
| Heat | Celebrity | Dish | Result |
| 1 | Anne Hegerty | Lamb Rack with Chickpea, Aubergine & Chorizo Stew | Safe |
| 1 | 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 |
| 2 | 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 | Churros Salted Caramel Filling with Chocolate Sauce | 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.
| Heat | Celebrity | Dish | Result |
| 1 | Anne Hegerty | Chicken Pilau Pie with Raita and Pineapple Salsa | In cook-off |
| 1 | Maura Higgins | Goan Vegetable Curry with Tempura, Raita, Salad and Puri | Safe |
| 1 | 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 |
| 2 | Josie Gibson | Wild Mushroom Biryani with Raita | In cook-off |
| 2 | 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 | Dosa with Coriander Chutney | 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.
| Heat | Celebrity | Dish | Result |
| 1 | Dr. Ranj Singh | Salmon en Croute with Asparagus & Beurre Blanc and a Watercress Salad | Safe |
| 1 | Josie Gibson | Coquilles St Jacques À La Pondicherry | Safe |
| 1 | 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 |
| 2 | 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 | Crème Caramel Housed in a Sugar Cage | 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.
| 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 |
| 1 | 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 |
| 2 | 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 | Thai Spring Rolls with a Sweet Chilli Sauce | 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.
| 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 | Beef Wellington | 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.
| 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.
| 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."