‘Super dramatic, genuinely gripping’
“A celebration of food porn,” is how one judge praised this high-stakes eight-part series that travels around the world, documenting the blood, sweat and tears of chefs in pursuit of the ultimate culinary accolade: a Michelin Star.
Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars marks the first time the anonymous inspectors have given the public a taster of the process by which they designate the award, and the series travels from an ambitious fried chicken joint to a Mexican-inspired Chicago restaurant that needs a star to survive. It also features those seeking second star, including a married couple facing staffing shortages, and even the rare third, as in the case of one chef in Copenhagen.
“This was a standout watch; they managed to take something as huge as the Michelin awards, which they have no control over, and orchestrate an amazing piece of jeopardy and drama following the incredible chefs,” enthuses one judge.
The series is hosted by foodie and YouTuber Jessie Burgess, who another judge highlighted as “brilliant casting of a left-field presenter”.
They added that the show also offered “excellent research and access into an interesting, mysterious world”, and as a result was “super dramatic, genuinely gripping”.
Shortlisted
Glow Up: Britain’s Best Make-Up Star
Wall to Wall Media for BBC iPlayer
Now in its seventh series, this reality competition sets out to find the best amateur make-up artists in the country. A special collaboration with musical Cabaret was a series highlight as the contestants were challenged to recreate the iconic musical’s make-up designs.
Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake
BBC Studios Entertainment for U&W
Working with Dogs Trust, the series showcases the stories of some of the 100,000 dogs awaiting new homes in UK rescue centres. This second series also deliberately spotlighted the more challenging reality of long-term residents of rehoming centres, as well as showcasing the tricky process of socialising and rehabilitating dogs, which can take months.
Sandi Toksvig’s Hidden Wonders
Salamanda Media for More4
Sandi Toksvig, joined by archaeologist Raksha Dave, meets professional and amateur archaeologists around the country as they unearth treasures for the first time in centuries. While Dave offers insight into the remarkable finds, Toksvig explores the wider histories of each dig’s location to answer questions the newly excavated items raise.
The Dyers’ Caravan Park
Expectation for Sky 1
The warmth, humour and authenticity at the centre of father-and-daughter duo Danny and Dani Dyers’ efforts to transform a caravan park into a place that lives up to the elder Dyer’s memories of his favourite holidays cut through with viewers, as it became Sky’s biggest unscripted entertainment launch in five years.
Will and Ralf Should Know Better
Afro-Mic Productions for U&Dave
Long-time friends Will Mellor and Ralf Little throw themselves into challenges as they seek to find out what they are getting right with life and what they are getting very wrong. From becoming drag queens to working with bricklayers and volunteers with disaster relief, the pair embrace every encounter with an open heart and curiosity.
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