The 20th series of the Great British Menu is set to launch tonight on BBC Two (January 28), introducing a new season theme – Great Britons. This will inspire aspiring chefs to delve into historical figures and ancient pasts for their culinary creations.
Andi Oliver returns for her fifth year as host, with Tom Kerridge and Ed Gamble joining former GBM winner Lorna McNee on the judging panel. Tom, owner of The Hand and Flowers, has been a part of the show for over a decade, having competed in 2010 and 2011, winning the main course round in both series.
His popularity soared, and his career blossomed, leading producers to invite him back as a mentor in 2012. Accepting the BBC’s offer, Tom has since become a fixture on the show, eventually transitioning to a judge.
As he prepares for another TV appearance this week, we take a look at Tom’s life away from the screen.
Chef fame
Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge lives in Marlow with his wife Beth Cullen and their son Acey.
He owns two pubs in his hometown, The Coach and The Hand and Flowers, both located in the picturesque village of Marlow. Tom also runs his own restaurant, Kerridge’s Bar and Grill, within the Corinthia Hotel and occasionally commutes to London to oversee his culinary masterpieces, reports Surrey Live.
Wife left three times
Celebrity chef Tom, who is married to sculptor Beth Cullen-Kerridge, has opened up about the ups and downs of their relationship. The couple, who share a son named Acey born in 2015, have had their fair share of challenges.
Speaking with author Paul Stenning for his book Success: Those Who Have Made It, Tom revealed: “My relationship with Beth is fantastic but in our first year living and working together she left me three times!” In another interview with Hello magazine, Tom shared that his favourite days are those spent watching his son play rugby and enjoying simple family moments.
He said: “My happiest days are the ones spent with my wife and son. Looking back on life, there are so many huge occasions, such as our wedding and the day Acey was born, and while those are amazing days, they come with heightened emotions.”
He explained: “The birth of your child isn’t necessarily fun, even though it’s so important and the same goes for your wedding day. They’re very happy and wonderful experiences, but my happiest days are the ones I spend with my family.”
Diet
Tom also spoke about his impressive weight loss journey, having shed an incredible 12 stone.
The renowned chef, who once weighed 30 stone at the age of 40, decided to take control of his health and lifestyle.
Tom has transformed his lifestyle and credits the dopamine diet for his impressive weight loss. He now focuses on consuming protein-packed foods known to stimulate dopamine production – the so-called ‘happy hormone’.
As he shared his experience with the Mirror: “It’s impossible to lose weight and keep the weight off for good if you don’t enjoy what you’re eating.”
He praised the cooking methods that ensure dishes are both delicious and satisfying, which he believes can help others in their journey towards a healthier weight without sacrificing their love for food.
Battle with alcohol
On another significant aspect of his health journey, Tom acknowledged that cutting out alcohol was crucial in tipping the scales in his favour. He admitted to past binges involving cocktails and up to 15 pints in a single session.
However, his determination led him to quit drinking entirely. Discussing his decision on Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, he stated: “One day that was it. I have completely destroyed alcohol for myself.”
Moreover, Tom revealed his strength in overcoming his urge to drink, as he said to the Mirror: “I stopped drinking all by myself. I knew what I wanted to do and then I got on with it. It was all about mental strength. I have an addictive personality. People ask me whether I’m an alcoholic, but I think it could have been anything, it’s just that alcohol was the thing I found.
“Maybe I am an alcoholic, I don’t know. Some days are really, really hard and some days are easy. Most of the time it’s not relevant in my life. I channel all that old drinking energy into work now.”
Acting career before finding fame
Before embarking on his journey to culinary stardom, Tom actually dabbled in acting, with a notable appearance in a renowned ITV drama.
Now 51 and eagerly awaiting his return to Great British Menu, Tom initially chased dreams of TV fame before venturing into the demanding world of professional chefs.
In the ’90s, he snagged a part in Agatha Christie’s Marple series, portraying a borstal boy. His other stints in front of the camera include roles in The Tomorrow People, Chris Cross, and After Henry.
Devotees of ITV may also reminisce about the beloved drama series London’s Burning, where Tom appeared as Thug One in an episode.
However, after racking up several acting credits, Tom switched lanes due to concerns of being “typecast”.
Great British Menu returns to BBC2 tonight (January 28).