Channel 4 commissions Valentine's special with Heston Blumenthal

Heston Blumenthal searches for the recipe for romance in a new one-off Valentine’s special made by betty/Snail Porridge for Channel 4.

In the show Heston looks into science, psychology and history to explore the myths behind romantic foods and finds out how to awaken the senses when it comes to physical attraction, along the way discovering some surprising revelations about food and romance.

After a series of experiments on willing human guinea pigs, who are prepared to get hot under the collar in the name of research, he puts his findings into a unique meal. From Venus Cocktails to the Fig of Desire and Garden of Eden apples, the meal aims to be the ultimate culinary aphrodisiac. Five couples will experience this once-in-a -lifetime event – but will the meal have the desired effect?

The 1 x 60 programme is a betty/Snail Porridge production and was commissioned by Channel 4 Head of Factual Entertainment Liam Humphreys and Factual Entertainment commissioning editor Rich Evans. The executive producer is Vicky Hamburger for betty.

Vicky said:  “Heston's search for the ultimate recipe for romance has been exhilarating, exploring science, history and psychology. When it comes to taking your other half out for a romantic meal this programme could make you re-think your plans for Valentine’s Day.”