Jamie Oliver has landed a new Channel 4 cooking and travel show.
Jamie Oliver has landed a new show
The Naked Chef - whose exclusive deal with the broadcaster ended last year - is said to have attracted interest from the likes of Netflix, but C4 has commissioned new four part series 'Jamie Cooks The Mediterranean'.
The upcoming show - which is set to air later this year - will follow his travels across Greece, Tunisia, Spain and France as he explores a range of flavours and styles to inspire new recipes.
Tim Hancock - commissioning editor for Channel 4 - said: “Jamie has been going from strength to strength in his series for us, and this is a really beautiful travelogue showcasing techniques and recipes even the most avid foodie might have missed, and some ingenious recipes from Jamie."
According to reports, bosses were keen to get the celebrity chef lined up for another big show to warn off interest from rival broadcasters.
An insider told The Sun newspaper's TVBiz column: "Jamie held an exclusive contract with Channel 4 for years. But at the back end of last year he began to look at other options once his golden handcuffs deal lapsed.
"He made One-Pan Wonders and Seasons on a non-exclusive basis for Channel 4, but Netflix showed interest in a project around his healthy-eating campaigns.
“Channel 4 are all too aware how much of a draw Jamie still is for viewers, and wanted to reward his loyalty with a glossy new show.”
It's said a Christmas special will follow after the four episodes air this autumn.
Jamie will showcase recipes from his Mediterranean trip in a companion cookbook, including dishes like crispy prawn parcels with harissa, which was created in Tunisia.
Other treats include Greece-inspired smoky aubergine flatbread, pork chop with chargrilled peppers from Spain, and a courgette, goat's cheese and olive tapenade tart from France.
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