Jamie Oliver leads search for undiscovered cookbook star in new TV competition

6 September 2021

In a brand-new TV format from Jamie Oliver Productions and Plum Pictures, Jamie Oliver leads the quest to find the next big name in cookery.

A book deal with Penguin Random House is up for grabs as the search to discover who has the recipe for success, and a winning cookbook concept, begins. The competition is open to foodies from all walks of like, from humble home cooks and unknown chefs, to Instagram food-influencers and street food vendors.

Jamie Oliver presents the series and, having developed 25 cookbooks during his career to make him the biggest selling non-fiction author in UK history, he will mentor the contestants, sharing his knowledge and experience to help develop their skills and passion for food.

Over seven episodes and with Jamie’s guidance, our would-be cookery authors must prove to publishers and expert judges they have what it takes to create a bestseller.

The series begins with wannabe cookbook authors from across the country pitching their unique cookbook ideas and signature dishes. The panel of experts will pick their favourites to return for the next part of the process, where the competitors must cook more dishes, hone their book concepts and see how well their recipes measure up to testers at home.

Packed full of incredible food, the series culminates with three finalists bringing their books to life for the judges and industry experts in a final pitch for the ultimate prize.

Only one foodie will walk away with their very own publishing deal with Michael Joseph at Penguin Random House.

Jamie Oliver said: “I have been crafting cookbooks for over 20 years and I know the dedication, skill and intuition it takes to create recipes people want to buy and try at home. Breaking into publishing is incredibly difficult - an impossible dream for so many amazing cooks out there - so I am just so excited to get out there and discover incredible new talent, new perspectives and new approaches to cooking and food. We know the talent is out there and I’m thrilled to be able to help them fulfill their potential.”

Clemency Green, commissioning editor for Channel 4, said: “We are a nation of cookbook enthusiasts and now we’re going to find a new star to enter the market. With such a massive prize on offer and so many different styles of cooking in the competition, this is going to be very exciting.”

Tim Hancock, commissioning editor for Channel 4, added: “Who better than to lead the search for the next cookbook star than Jamie Oliver, Britain’s bestselling non-fiction author? This series is going to introduce us to a range of amazing new food talent and is guaranteed to make you extremely hungry.”

Samantha Beddoes, Executive Producer, Jamie Oliver Productions said: “This series will champion the talents of cooks from all over the country with a vast array of different experiences and dishes. Jamie's passion and knowledge in coming up with new recipes, and for championing and nurturing people's skills in the kitchen, means he's the perfect person to help them through the process. It will be a delicious series to watch!”

Will Daws, Executive Producer, Plum Pictures said: “With Michael Joseph publishing the winner’s book and Jamie Oliver supporting and guiding them, we’re anticipating an exciting and passionate series as our cooks compete for what is surely the ultimate culinary prize.”

This 7x60’ series was commissioned for Channel 4 by Jo Street, Head of Daytime and Features, Clemency Green, Commissioning Editor, Daytime and Features and Tim Hancock, Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment. It will be made by Jamie Oliver Productions and Plum Pictures and the executive producers are Samantha Beddoes and Will Daws.

To apply to take part, please visit: https://www.plumpictures.co.uk/cookbookstar

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