STEP UP TO THE PLATE

Future stars of the restaurant industry are put through their paces in Fred’s new CBBC show. Fred hosts alongside Allegra McEvedy.

Fred and Allegra put teams of 10 to 14 year-olds through their paces as they set out to uncover a maître d’ and head chef who have the potential to be future stars of the restaurant industry.

The contestants are tasked with everything from dealing with ‘difficult diners’ to feeding a whole restaurant full of hungry customers, including celebrity guests AJ from Strictly, former EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa, Blue Peter’s Lindsey Russell, CBBC’s Sam and Mark, Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh and You Tuber Olivia Grace.
Fred’s role is to teach children how to run a restaurant, and to inspire a new generation of professionals.

Fred says: “I’ve always wanted to showcase the hospitality industry in all its glory. This show is a unique opportunity to do that and to teach kids the art of service and the art of running a restaurant. It’s about inspiring and educating the next generation of professionals into the world of catering and hospitality because it is a wonderful industry and there are great career prospects there.”
Throughout the heats, viewers follow the progress of the teams over two episodes. On an initial practice day, the restaurant crew come up with themes to dress the restaurant and the kitchen crew set out to cook a complementary menu. The themes vary from a classic ‘diner’ themed restaurant to tropical, magical, medieval and there is even a zombie theme.