The grand finale of the popular competition food show, Cooking with the Stars, aired on July 12th and saw the final three celebrities battle it out with the aim of being crowned season 2 champion.
8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown‘s Joe Wilkinson, accompanied by celebrity guest editor of Healthy Child and This Morning regular Dr Ranj Singh and Josie Gibson, entered the kitchen one final time to give it their best shot of the title, but ultimately – it was Dr Ranj who was announced as the victor.
Challenges
Presenters Emma Willis and Tom Allen introduced the final three and immediately set them the tough challenge of making the signature dishes of their professional chef mentors, with the winner advancing to the final two.
They had the chance to signal for professional help for two minutes if needed, but the celebrities battled on by themselves without help. Josie’s dish was the most popular as it received three votes from the judges and therefore entered the final two. She would be facing off against Dr Ranj in the final cook-off after he received two votes, leaving Joe to finish third.
“I’ve had a lovely time, thanks for having me,” Joe said upon his elimination.
The final two were tasked to produce Beef Eellington, including puff pastry from scratch and beef that had to remain medium rare. After long deliberation from the judges, they decided that Dr Ranj constructed the better dish.
Lastly, Josie and Dr Ranj had to create their very own signature dish. Josie chose to make a roast dinner, dedicated to her nan, while Dr Ranj chose to create a plate of Indian party food. After serving up their dishes, and a few VTs about their journeys, Dr Ranj was crowned champion.
Reaction
“I’m lost for words,” Ranj said upon picking up his trophy. Meanwhile, Josie said she had made a “friend for life” in her mentor, Tony Singh MBE.
You can catch up with Cooking with the Stars on ITV Hub.
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