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 The six-episode series was first announced by ITV in April 2021 for a premiere over the summer; it was commissioned from South Shore Productions with funding from British department store chain Marks & Spencer (M&S). It marked the first time that ITV had broadcast a programme co-commissioned with an advertiser in prime time. The series is filmed at Pinewood Studios.
M&S marketing director Sharry Cramond considered the programme to be part of an effort by the chain to emphasize its wider product ranges, and to "accelerate" trends since the COVID-19 pandemic of customers buying its individual products for home cooking as opposed to ready-made meals. As part of this sponsorship, the programme features product placement for M&S, while adverts and other surrounding promotions (including a weekly companion show hosted by YouTubers Woody & Kleiny) highlight the M&S product ranges featured during each episode. M&S had previously been involved with ITV as a sponsor for Britain's Got Talent.
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 JooEliminated 1ston 13 July 2021 Catherine Tyldesley Former Coronation Street actress Tristan WelchEliminated 2ndon 20 July 2021 Griff Rhys Jones Comedian, actor & presenter Ronnie MurrayEliminated 3rdon 27 July 2021 Shirley Ballas Strictly Come Dancing judge Joseph Denison CareyEliminated 4thon 3 August 2021 Johnny Vegas Comedian & actor Rosemary ShragerEliminated 5thon 10 August 2021 AJ Odudu Television presenter Jack SteinThird placeon 17 August 2021 Denise van Outen Actress, singer & presenter Francesco MazzeiRunner-upon 17 August 2021Harry JuddMcFly drummerNisha KatonaWinneron 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 Mashwith Savoy Cabbage and Smoky Bacon Safe Harry Judd Gingerbread Lamb Chopswith Roast Potatoes, Cabbage and Marsala Gravy In cook-off 2 Shirley Ballas Butter-Poached Chickenwith Braised Leeks, Creamy Mash and Mustard Mayo Safe Naughty Boy Pan Fried Scallopswith Spring Pea Purée In cook-off Cook-off Celebrity Dish Result Harry Judd Baked Alaska Safe Naughty Boy 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 Salmonwith Borlotti Bean and Cavolo Nero Stew and Walnut Pesto Safe Catherine Tyldesley Extra-Rich Spaghetti Carbonarawith a Pancetta Crumb and Parmesan Tuiles In cook-off 2 AJ Odudu Open Ravioliwith Lingoustine, Tomato and Basil Safe Denise van Outen Tortelliwith Burrata, 'Nduja and Balsamic Vinegar In cook-off Cook-off Celebrity Dish Result Catherine Tyldesley Panna Cotta Eliminated Denise van Outen 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 Thighswith Pickled Onions, Cabbage Slaw and a Coriander Chutney in a Roti Wrap Safe Johnny Vegas Goan Chicken Xacutiwith Fragrant Basmati Rice and Chapatis In cook-off Denise van Outen Lamb Meatball Currywith Saffron Mashed Potato and Spiced Tenderstem Broccoli Safe 2 Griff Rhys Jones Chicken Saagwith Lemon Pilau, Coriander Naan and a Cucumber Raita In cook-off Harry Judd 'Bridal Thali'Butter Chicken, Tandoori Lamb Chops, South Indian Coconut Meatballs with Fragrant Cardamom Rice Safe AJ Odudu Kati Rollswith Pickled Onions, Kachumber Salad, Raita and All Butter Paratha Safe Cook-off Celebrity Dish Result Griff Rhys Jones Samosas Eliminated Johnny Vegas 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 Meunièrewith French Fries and Garlic Aioli In cook-off Johnny Vegas Duck À L'Orangewith Fondant Potato and Chiffonade of Cavalo Nero Safe 2 Harry Judd Chicken À La MoutardePasta with Hazelnut Butter and a Peach and Pine Nut Salad In cook-off AJ Odudu Bourride of Seabass, Sole and Langoustines Safe Denise van Outen Coq Au Vinwith Polenta Safe Cook-off Celebrity Dish ResultShirley Ballas Chocolate Soufflé Eliminated Harry Judd 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 Soupand Roti Prata In cook-off Denise van Outen Thai Green Currywith Langoustines, Scallops & Spring Vegetables Safe 2 Harry Judd Malaysian Roti Babiwith a Pineapple Salsa and Tamarind Dipping Sauce Safe AJ Odudu Northern Thai Chicken Larb, Pork Shoulder SkewersSticky Rice and Chargrilled Sweetheart Cabbage In cook-off Cook-off Celebrity Dish Result Johnny Vegas Pork Dumplingswith a Chilli Dipping Sauce Eliminated AJ Odudu 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 Gnocchiwith Langoustines, Cherry Tomatoes & Asparagus Safe AJ Odudu Rack of Lambwith 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 Steakwith Crushed New Potatoes and Peppery Greens Safe AJ Odudu Third place
Final cooking battle Celebrity Dish Result Denise van Outen Tortelliwith 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 ReidEliminated 1ston 7 June 2022 Kelly Holmes Former Olympic middle-distance runner Ronnie MurrayEliminated 2ndon 14 June 2022 Anne Hegerty The Chase quizzer Jean-Christophe NovelliEliminated 3rdon 21 June 2022 Anton Du Beke Strictly Come Dancing judge & former professional Rosemary ShragerEliminated 4thon 28 June 2022 Maura Higgins Love Island finalist & television personality Jack SteinEliminated 5thon 5 July 2022 Joe Wilkinson Comedian & actor Judy JooThird placeon 12 July 2022 Josie Gibson Television personality & presenter Tony SinghRunner-upon 12 July 2022Dr. Ranj SinghThis Morning doctor & presenterClodagh McKennaWinneron 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 & Chipswith Kimchi Tartare Sauce In cook-off Anton Du Beke Pork Chopwith Apple Sauce, Crackling and a Sherry & Mustard Jus Safe 2 Josie Gibson Duckwith Stovies and Brown Sauce Jus Safe Woody Cook Rib Eye SteakPotato & Celeriac Gratin with a Peppercorn Sauce In cook-off Cook-off Celebrity Dish Result Joe Wilkinson Lemon Meringue Pie Safe Woody Cook 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 Rackwith Chickpea, Aubergine & Chorizo Stew Safe Kelly Holmes Spanish TapasPan-Fried Prawns with Padron Peppers,Anchovy Croquetas & Patatas Bravas with Romesco Sauce In cook-off 2 Dr. Ranj Singh Seafood PaellaSmoked Paprika Aioli and Padron Peppers In cook-off Maura Higgins Tapaswith Tortilla, Basque Crab Gratin and Fried Padron Peppers Safe Cook-off Celebrity Dish Result Kelly Holmes ChurrosSalted Caramel Filling with Chocolate Sauce Eliminated Dr. Ranj Singh 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 Piewith Raita and Pineapple Salsa In cook-off Maura Higgins Goan Vegetable Currywith Tempura, Raita, Salad and Puri Safe Anton Du Beke Lamb Stuffed Parathawith Vegetable Pakora, Mint Yogurt and Spicy Tomato Sauce Safe 2 Joe Wilkinson Classic Chicken Tikka Masalawith Paratha Safe Josie Gibson Wild Mushroom Biryaniwith Raita In cook-off Dr. Ranj Singh Chickpea & Coconut Dahlwith Onion Bhajis, Raita & Coriander Naan Safe Cook-off Celebrity Dish Result Anne Hegerty Dosawith Coriander Chutney Eliminated Josie Gibson Safe
Episode 4: French