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Ready Steady Cook Australia: The Ultimate Guide to Iconic Recipes & Behind-the-Scenes Secrets


Who hosted Ready Steady Cook Australia?

Ready Steady Cook Australia has seen a few familiar faces take on the hosting duties throughout its various iterations. The show, which originated in the UK, found its way to Australian screens with different networks and presenters at the helm. Understanding who hosted the Australian version requires looking at its different runs over the years.

The original Australian run of *Ready Steady Cook*, which aired on Network Ten, was hosted by the charismatic Peter Everett. Everett, known for his energetic and engaging style, was a popular choice for the show, guiding contestants and chefs through the fast-paced culinary challenges. His tenure as host established the show’s format and appeal to Australian audiences.

When the show was revived by Channel Ten in 2024, a new host stepped into the kitchen. The 2024 revival of *Ready Steady Cook* is hosted by Miguel Maestre. Maestre, a well-known Spanish-Australian chef and television personality, brings his vibrant personality and culinary expertise to the forefront, continuing the tradition of lively and entertaining hosting for the beloved cooking competition.

When did Ready Steady Cook stop?

While the beloved cooking show Ready Steady Cook enjoyed a long and successful run, it ultimately aired its final episode on February 2, 2010. This marked the end of an era for the program, which had been a staple of daytime television for many years, first on BBC One and then on BBC Two. The decision to conclude the series was made by the BBC, bringing to a close a show celebrated for its quick-fire culinary challenges and engaging presenters.

The original iteration of Ready Steady Cook had a remarkable longevity, first gracing screens in 1994. Over its 16-year continuous run, it became a firm favourite, known for its audience participation, the inventive use of mystery basket ingredients, and the friendly rivalry between its resident chefs. The final broadcast in 2010 closed the chapter on this particular format and presentation of the show, leaving a legacy of accessible and entertaining cooking instruction.

Is Ainsley from Ready Steady Cook married?

Ainsley Harriott, the beloved chef from Ready Steady Cook, was indeed married. He tied the knot with his wife, Clare Harriott, in 1989. Their marriage lasted for many years, and together they had two children, Jimmy and Madeleine.

While Ainsley Harriott’s professional life as a television chef and presenter has been very public, his personal life, including his marriage, was kept relatively private. However, it is publicly known that Ainsley and Clare Harriott eventually separated. Their divorce was finalized in 2017, after 28 years of marriage.

Therefore, to directly answer the question, Ainsley Harriott was married to Clare Harriott for nearly three decades. However, as of 2017, they are no longer married.

What were the rules of Ready Steady Cook?

The rules of Ready Steady Cook revolved around a culinary challenge where two contestants, each paired with a professional chef, competed to create dishes using a bag of mystery ingredients.

The Basket Challenge

Each contestant arrived with a “red tomato” or “green pepper” bag containing ingredients they had purchased for a set budget, typically around £5. The chefs were then tasked with creating a meal using only these ingredients within a 20-minute time limit. This core challenge emphasized speed, creativity, and resourcefulness.

Audience Voting and the Quick Cook Challenge

After the cooking segment, the studio audience would vote for their favorite meal by holding up either red tomato or green pepper cards. The winning contestant received a small prize, usually a Ready Steady Cook plate. Following the main cook-off, there was often a “Quick Cook” challenge, where the chefs had to prepare an additional dish in a much shorter timeframe, often around 10 minutes, using a new set of surprise ingredients. This segment further highlighted the chefs’ improvisational skills.

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