A Liverpool chef was in "utter shock" after being asked to appear on the BBC's Great British Menu.
The hit show features esteemed British chefs from various regions across the country, competing to produce a menu served at a prestigious banquet for prominent guests. Sam Grainger, chef patron at Belzan and Madre, will grace our screens this evening at 8pm - though he won't be watching.
Sam, 32, a Liverpool supporter, told the ECHO: "It's on tonight at 8pm - the exact same time as the Liverpool match. I’m watching the footy - I don't want to see or hear myself talk on screen."
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The theme is celebrating animation and illustration. The show is presented by Andi Oliver, with regular judges being Michelin-starred, previous banquet winner, Tom Kerridge; restaurateur Nisha Katona; and comedian and food podcast broadcaster, Ed Gamble.
Sam, originally from Hightown, was delighted to appear on the show - a programme he has watched since childhood. Initially, he received an email from producers and then had to take part in a series of Zoom interviews "to see how [he] was on camera", before bagging a spot on the show.
It's quite the coup to make it onto the show - there's no way to apply, chefs are chosen. Sam explained: "I was extremely nervous, I've been watching this show since I was a kid and I always wanted to get onto it. It was surreal to be approached; I was not expecting that email - I was just in the airport waiting to go on holiday, I was in utter shock. It made the holiday pretty fantastic.
"It's a once in a lifetime chance, it's the best of the best; it's a huge privilege to be on the show. It's national TV in front of millions of people and that's always in the back of your mind.
"It was an amazing experience, unbelievable but it's a very intense couple of days - nerves are a big thing. There's not much time to practise being in front of the camera, so it's all fresh and new."
Sam has travelled extensively, living in Australia and Asia for a number of years before returning to his home city to make his mark in the world of hospitality. He said: "I fell back into cheffing while living in Australia and Asia, then I thought about maybe trying to make it in London like everyone does but I came home instead.
"I tried to make a name for myself in my home city which has worked quite well. I worked for some fantastic head chefs and have learnt from everywhere I've been, and the people I've met."
Sam, who has lived in the city centre for nine years, soon became the executive chef at Maray and then six years ago, opened Belzan on Smithdown Road. The quaint neighbourhood bistro and wine bar serves "humble dishes, inspired by places we've been and people we've met."
Remaining tight-lipped about his experience on the show, Sam added: "It's filmed over a few days but I can't say anymore because I don't want to give away what happened."
Great British Menu airs on Tuesday evenings at 8pm on BBC2. Belzan is based at 371 Smithdown Road, Liverpool, L15 3JJ.
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