Emma Willis issues candid admission as she returns to ITV alongside new Strictly Come Dancing role: ‘I don’t!’
Emma Willis is juggling two of television’s biggest programmes this autumn, returning to ITV’s Cooking With The Stars for its sixth run while taking on her new presenting role as a host on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The 50-year-old presenter, who stepped into the Strictly role alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe after Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly departed, is back on the ITV culinary competition just as the BBC dance show broadcasts its first live episode of the series.
Ms Willis will once again be joined by 43-year-old comedian Tom Allen as co-host on the cookery programme.
It has also been a busy year for the broadcaster, who fronted Love Is Blind UK over the summer months before taking on her Strictly duties.
Emma Willis is returning to host Cooking With The Stars for its sixth series
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GETTY
This year’s extended series spans 10 episodes and features 12 famous faces competing to sharpen their abilities in the kitchen.
The celebrity roster brings together Scarlett Moffatt, Olympic cycling champion Dame Laura Kenny, actress Caroline Quentin, former Strictly professional dancer Karen Hauer, comedian Seann Walsh, and television presenter Zara McDermott.
They are joined by Gladiators star Harry Akines-Aryeetey, Emmerdale’s Mark Charnock, reality television personality Joey Essex, Happy Mondays percussionist Bez, JLS member and presenter JB Gill, and Birds of a Feather actress Lesley Joseph.
Each celebrity will receive guidance from established professional chefs as they attempt to improve their cooking skills, preparing dishes that will ultimately be presented to a judging panel.
Emma Willis has taken on a major new presenting role on Strictly Come Dancing
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BBC
Ms Willis praised the breadth of this year’s cast, noting that the programme attracts viewers of all ages.
“I thought it was brilliant. The show is watched by a multi-generational audience so it’s always nice when you have a line-up that everybody can relate to,” she said.
She confessed that some contestants defied her expectations.
“There were a couple of people who I thought, I’m not sure how they’ll fare in the kitchen… but then they turned out to be fantastic, so just goes to show, never judge a book by its cover. Unless it’s a cookery book!” she added.
The new series will see 12 celebrities put their cooking skills to the test
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ITV
The series also features something of a Strictly reunion, with Mr Akines-Aryeetey and Ms Hauer having previously appeared together on the BBC dance competition.
Ms Willis insisted, however, that no ballroom tensions carried over.
“There really isn’t a real competitive streak amongst the celebrities.
“Everyone wants to progress and do well but it’s more for their chefs, to make them proud,” she explained.
Ms Willis teased that viewers should brace themselves for some kitchen mishaps.
“We definitely have a few burnt bottoms this season…pans, not humans,” she quipped.
Mr Allen also teased some kitchen disasters.
Scarlett Moffatt is among the famous faces heading into the kitchen
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GETTY
“One potato dish got described as wallpaper paste. But I’ll name no names,” the co-host revealed.
Despite spending six years at the helm of a cookery programme, Ms Willis freely acknowledged that her own cooking skills have not improved
“Each year, I watch them in the kitchen and think, ‘ Right, I’m going to expand my small repertoire and then I don’t,” she admitted.
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