So you wanna be on a reality TV cooking show?

The British public’s appetite for both cookery programmes and reality TV shows seems to be insatiable. So it should come as no great surprise that yet another one, combining the two, is heading our way. And the producers want Hastings foodies and amateur chefs to put themselves forward to take part. Toby Sargent reports.

Masterchef is back for yet another run on prime-time television, Come Dine with Me seems to be pretty much permanently being broadcast on one minority channel or another, and ‘celebrity chefs’ have become part of the showbiz furniture: as often in the pages of Heat and OK, as in their kitchens.

So the arrival of a new cookery show would not normally concern us very much. But the return of My Kitchen Rules UK (MKR) for a second series later this year has a local dimension.

Somewhat clunky

The premise of MKR is to get amateur cooks from across the UK to open their own restaurants at home in a bid to win £10,000 cash prize and the right to say, “My Kitchen Rules,” which is the somewhat clunky reason for the programme’s title. The format – and title – originated in Australia, which may explain it.

Anyway, the chef and food writer Rachel Allen and Michelin Star restaurateur Glynn Purnell will be the judges, and the whole thing will go out on Channel 4 later in the year.

Passionate

So what’s the local angle? The production company want to get a good regional spread of contestants. They say: ‘we are appealing to the passionate foodies of Hastings to take part in the show.  We want to see Hastings and the wonderful local produce on offer represented in the series.

 Brilliant experience

‘As well as a £10,000 cash prize, contestants will get the chance to learn from and cook for the UK’s best chefs.  It really is a brilliant experience for any enthusiastic foodies looking to showcase their skills and hone their talents.’

Foodie dream

And if that’s not enough of an incentive, there are also some gushing words from the judges. Here’s Rachel first:

“If you’ve got a foodie dream, then this is your chance. We’re looking for pairs of contestants who have a burning ambition to cook great food and impress not only Glynn and I, but a host of celebrity guest judges that will be joining us throughout the competition.”

Rachel Allen: ‘culinary leading lady’

Then Glynn Purnell adds:

“My Kitchen Rules is an absolutely brilliant TV showcase for amateur chefs who are passionate about food. I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it and I’m thrilled to be alongside my fellow judge and host Rachel Allen, a highly respected culinary leading lady. I can’t wait to get started!”

Fancy your chances? Get in touch with the show as follows: contact the casting team on MKR@7wonder.co.uk or download an application form.

Intrusive and exhausting?

A quiet word of advice, though. I personally know a couple of people who, separately, took part in cookery reality shows filmed in their own homes. They both more or less enjoyed the process, but had no idea how long-winded, intrusive and exhausting the filming process was. And what appears on screen eventually may bear no resemblance at all to what you think happened on the day.

Also in: Food & Drink

« Herring Fair looming
Fishy masterclasses coming early next year »