Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Stardom on the menu for Popstars gurus Anne and Gail

16/12/2004

TOO many cooks didn't spoil the day for two Middleton women who went hob to hob in a bid to achieve culinary stardom in top television cook programme Ready Steady Cook.

Normally Anne Marshall of Cypress Street, Middleton Junction and Gail Stevens of Kinglsey Drive, Boarshaw are the best of friends, running the Middleton Popstars Academy. But firendship turned to friendly rivalry when they joined Ainsley Harriott on the show.

Anne was paired with professional chef Brian Turner and Gail with Lesley Waters in the cookout.

Anne produced a salmon dish, which was named "I feel like dancing" after she had done an impromptu dance with Ainsley, while Gail made a steak dish, which was named "Gail of a Tim".

Said Anne, who the studio audience voted made the best dish on the day: "We had a great day out, all expenses paid and it was a close vote, so we're still the best of friends. It also gave us the opportunity to talk about the Middleton Popstars and their achievements."

Said Gail: "The celebrity chefs couldn't have been more helpful and made us feel at ease from the start.

"I suppose doing the Christmas dinner will be an anti-climax after this."