Britain’s Best Cook air date, judges and host of new BBC One cookery competition

Mary Berry is set to judge a new BBC One cookery competition, Britain’s Best Cook.

But who are the judges alongside Mary, who’s hosting and when does it all start? Here’s all you need to know!

Called Britain’s Best Cook, the series – which apparently is NOT the same as the Great British Bake Off – will test the real-life expertise of truly great home cooks and will celebrate the food people make for their loved ones every single day.

Britain’s Best Cook judges and host

Mary Berry is returning to her first love; with more than 75 cookery books to her name, her authority in the home kitchen is beyond question and she is the natural choice for the lead judge.

A search for a second judge is underway (what with Paul Hollywood busy elsewhere…). They will be joining Mary to help hunt out those whose talents, until now, have been hidden away.

Mary Berry said: “I am never more at home than when I have my judging hat on. This series is going to encourage proper home cooking which I have always championed and I cannot wait to start. Claudia, for me, is the icing on the cake.”

Mary Berry will be joined by Dan Doherty and Chris Bavin. One of London’s most prominent and creative chefs, Dan Doherty is currently Chef Director at one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, Duck and Waffle.

Former market trader Chris Bavin has worked in importing, wholesaling, retailing, food service and catering. Chris co-founded his retail business The Naked Grocer and has since gone on to TV success fronting a range of shows including Eat Well for Less, Tomorrow’s Food, Food: Truth or Scare and The Truth about Meat.

Claudia Winkleman will host the new series. She said: “I am over the moon to be part of this show. Am slightly obsessed with Mary so will follow her around with my own moussaka for most of the filming. Apologies in advance.”

Britain’s Best Cook start date

The new series will begin on BBC One, Thursday May 3, it has been revealed.

The new series will run for eight episodes and see ten contestants demonstrating skill under pressure and individual flair, as they’re asked to serve the most perfect version of dishes that define modern British home cooking as well as create their special take on well-loved classics.

The judges will be looking for dishes that define a new benchmark of excellence, whether it’s roast beef with the perfect roast potatoes, an ingenious twist on chicken curry or an irresistible chocolate pudding.

Each challenge will reveal new tips and techniques as the competing cooks battle to prove that they have the skills and repertoire, technical ability, resourcefulness and creativity to get through to the final and be crowned Britain’s Best Cook.