'Superfan' comic joins BBC Two's Great British Menu

Susan Calman is to present the next series of BBC Two's Great British Menu.

It is the first time the cooking programme will have a host since former royal correspondent Jennie Bond left the show in 2007.

Calman said: 'I've been a super fan of Great British Menu for years and I can't quite believe I'm being transported from my sofa into that famous kitchen. 

'The brief is superb this year, and I can't wait to get stuck in alongside the veteran chefs and the judges. Imagine being able to taste some of the most incredible food from the best chefs in the country? It's a foodie dream come true.'

The comedian will be joined by returning judges Andi Oliver, Matthew Fort and Oliver Peyton as top chefs compete for the chance to cook one course of a four-course banquet.

Over the past 14 series banquets have included an Olympics dinner to mark London 2012 hosted by Sir Steve Redgrave, an event to commemorate 70 years since D-Day at St Paul’s Cathedral, attended by then Prime Minister David Cameron,and a rock star-studded dinner at Abbey Road Studios to celebrate British music.

Executive producer Sarah Eglin said: 'I knew Susan was the right person for the job when she started quoting famous dishes from competitions going back many years on the series. 

'Susan is bringing a lot of fun to the series, helping the chefs settle in a camera, getting the best out of them, and working alongside all the judges. Not surprisingly, she’s not averse to trying the odd tasty dish.'

The 15th series is due to air in the spring.

Published: 1 Oct 2019