Cooking with the Stars 2024 cast: Confirmed celebrity line-up

As a broadcaster and media personality with a long and successful career, Carol Vorderman has certainly made a name for herself in the industry. From her early days on Countdown to her current roles presenting various shows, she has always been a household name in the UK. However, despite her impressive resume, there is one area where she felt she had lost touch: cooking.

1. The popular cooking show, Cooking with the Stars, returns for its fourth installment, pitting eight famous personalities against each other in a culinary challenge that tests their cooking abilities.

In each episode as a movie critic reviewing a cooking competition show, I’ll witness celebrities team up with renowned chefs such as Rosemary Shrager, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Jack Stein. These masterful culinary artists will guide them through rigorous challenges in an attempt to transform these famous faces into skilled restaurant cooks.

Emma Willis and Tom Allen are back as hosts, bringing the show once more. A variety of well-known personalities are participating, each striving to emerge victorious!

Read on to find out who will be joining the 2024 cast of Cooking with the Stars.

Read on to learn more about each of the contestants.

Ellie Simmonds OBE

Age: 29

Job: Former Paralympian swimmer

Instagram: @elliesimmonds

X/Twitter: @EllieSimmonds1

As a moviegoer and a fan of inspiring stories, I had the pleasure of witnessing Ellie Simmonds’ remarkable journey as a Paralympic swimmer. Throughout her career, she left an indelible mark by establishing a new world record in the 200m medley during the Rio Paralympics back in 2016.

Besides Strictly Come Dancing, Ellie has also been on other programs and was paired with Nikita Kuzmin.)

Simmonds signed up for Cooking with the Stars to “expand” her knowledge of cooking.

She expressed her belief that many people enjoy cooking: “I believe everyone takes pleasure in cooking. It’s not just about preparing meals for ourselves, but also for our loved ones and impressing others. Gaining this skill offers a wonderful chance we shouldn’t miss.”

“Also, I love competing, I love competition.”

Abbey Clancy

Age: 38

Job: Model and TV personality

Instagram: @abbeyclancy

X/Twitter: @OfficialClancy

Abbey Clancy became well-known as a model and television personality. Her big break came when she finished as the second runner-up on the second season of Britain’s Next Top Model in 2006. Later, from 2015 until its end in 2017, she presented that very same show.

In 2013, Clancy took home the Glitterball trophy alongside Aljaž Škorjanec.

Clancy was excited about “acquiring new abilities” and wanted to enhance her culinary skills, so she joined the ITV cooking program.

I myself have always dreamt of honing my culinary skills under the guidance of a renowned chef, and lo and behold, I was granted that opportunity! Imagine my delight when I discovered that the chance to learn from a Michelin-starred culinary maestro had presented itself unexpectedly. My heart leapt with joy as I recalled how I had specifically asked for cooking lessons as a Christmas gift from Pete, and now here I am, on the verge of realizing my dream! This experience will undoubtedly enrich my life and expand my culinary horizons, and I can’t wait to share what I learn with others.

Linford Christie

Age: 64

Job: Former sprinter and athletics coach

Instagram: @linford_christie

X/Twitter: @ChristieLinford

Linford Christie is a retired sprint athlete and current athletics coach, making him the unique British male champion to secure gold medals in the 100-meter race at each of the major international competitions: the Olympics, World Championships, Europeans, and Commonwealth Games.

Christie, when asked why he joined the show, replied, “I’m often boasting about my cooking abilities, so I figured I should put those claims to the test and pick up some fresh techniques.”

Katherine Ryan

Age: 41

Job: Comedian

Instagram: @kathbum

X/Twitter: @Kathbum

Katherine Ryan gained popularity in the UK as a comedian and television host, becoming widely recognized through her stints on shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzocks, A League of Their Own, and Mock the Week among others.

Ryan wants to become a better cook and was keen to be a part of something that she would watch.

When I watch TV, I’m deeply curious about getting a genuine sense of someone’s character. I want to see them unguarded and authentic, rather than just playing a role. This program, in my opinion, does an excellent job of revealing people’s true selves.

“I believe I’d truly understand Carol Vorderman better when her hands and mind aren’t preoccupied, revealing the genuine, humorous side that she naturally exudes.”

I’ve always considered myself more of a food appreciator than a cook. I haven’t had much practice in the kitchen, and my attempts at putting together complex dishes often end up being less than satisfactory. It’s not that I lack the ability to cook; rather, I believe I’m missing out on the essential knowledge and techniques required to create delicious meals. I long for the opportunity to learn from experienced chefs or to experiment with new recipes, but for now, I leave the cooking to others and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Christopher Biggins

Age: 75

Job: Actor and TV presenter

Instagram: @biggins.christopher

X/Twitter: N/A

Christopher Biggins is an actor and television host with a notable presence. He has gained recognition from audiences through his victories on shows like I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Celebrity Come Dine With Me, Channel 4’s Five Go To Reality TV, and Celebrity Masterchef.

When Christopher Biggins learned he’d be teaming up with Rosemary Shrager again, having previously collaborated on Tipping Point, he was elated.

He shared many enjoyable moments of laughter with her beforehand, so I anticipated that the performance would be entertaining for both of us, and it truly lived up to my expectations. We had a great time together, and I even picked up a few new skills along the way.

Carol Vorderman

Age: 63

Job: Broadcaster

Instagram: @carolvorders

X/Twitter: @carolvorders

Carol Vorderman, famously known for her work in broadcasting, initially gained recognition through the Channel 4 show Countdown. Beyond this, she’s hosted numerous other programs such as The Pride of Britain Awards, Have I Got News for You, and Loose Women.

One reason Vorderman decided to participate in Cooking with the Stars was to rediscover her passion for cooking.

She shared that she once enjoyed cooking frequently, but around a decade back, she simply stopped doing so entirely. After spending years preparing meals for her children, mother, and extended family since she began at age ten, it seems she grew tired of the constant culinary duties.

1. “I still have the information, but I’ve lost interest in it. To reignite my passion, I decided to start cooking once more.”

Harry Pinero

Age: 33

Job: YouTuber

Instagram: @harrypinero

X/Twitter: @harrypinero

1. Harry Pinero is a well-known YouTube star and social media influencer, often recognized for his collaborative videos featuring The Sidemen and Beta Squad.

Like some of the other celebrity contestants, Pinero’s motivation was to learn how to cook.

He’s lived his life being pampered like royalty, yet yearned to acquire practical skills himself, which is what he shared in explanation.

Actually, the contest wasn’t primarily about claiming victory; rather, it was an enriching experience for me to acquire cooking skills and techniques, and to understand the true essence of culinary artistry. Being tutored by a Michelin-starred chef is not an opportunity everyone gets, so I consider myself already victorious just because of that unique chance.

1. In addition, I have a son, and I enjoy preparing meals for him that are both nutritious and fun. As he grows older, I hope he’ll develop an interest in cooking after observing me in the kitchen.

Pasha Kovalev

Age: 44

Job: Professional Latin and ballroom dancer

Instagram: @pashakovalev

X/Twitter: @PashaKovalev

Pasha Kovalev is a skilled dance artist, known to audiences from his tenure on Strictly Come Dancing between 2011 and 2018.

The former Strictly star explained that his main motivation was food!

I enjoy cooking to some extent, but I’m always eager to expand my knowledge in the kitchen. There’s truly no better teacher than being under pressure to create a delicious meal.

“Since you need to learn quickly and I enjoy the process, this program offers an excellent opportunity for us both.”

Cooking with the Stars will begin on ITV at 8pm on Tuesday 30th July.

2024-07-30 11:34