MCC Media, the Sunderland-based TV production company has been travelling to all four corners of the UK to record some of the country’s budding young chefs in this new 25-part series.
The series follows popular presenter, farmer and JLS star JB Gill and his family as they reach out to talented young cooks from all over the UK to ask for help in how to prepare and cook a wide range of delicious recipes from around the world. The Gills [Dad JB, Mum Chloe, Ace (7) & Chiara (4)] cook along and then serve local families and friends from their rural pop-up kitchen & café. Together we learn the importance of where food comes from and how to cook it!
Each 12-minute episode showcases a young child (aged 6-9) demonstrating for The Gills how to cook their ‘Dish of the Day’ from their home kitchen, whilst JB and family cook along from their farm kitchen. From Thai Green Curry and Vegan Burgers, to Blueberry Cheesecake and Shakshuka, the kids take the lead on this cooking adventure.
Executive Producer Paul McCoy said;
“It’s amazing to see how passionate kids can be about cooking fresh food from scratch and it’s been a great opportunity to capture just a pinch of this.”
The project was made possible by the help and support from Channel 5’s preschool strand, Milkshake! and North East Screen who have been a great advocate from day one.
“We’re thrilled to be premiering Cooking with the Gills and welcoming JB and his family to Milkshake! this Saturday,” said Louise Bucknole, General Manager, Kids & Family UK & Ireland at Paramount.
“Cooking and learning about where ingredients come from is really popular amongst our viewers and this new commission aims to celebrate a diverse range of recipes from across the world, while encouraging children and their families to take a more active role in preparing and cooking simple and healthy meals together.”
Alison Gwynn Chief Executive North East Screen said;
“It’s great to support regional companies with Big Ideas which in turn helps the production community flourish within the region. We are so excited to be involved and provide funding in MCC’s latest TV Project”.
David Kangas serves as Series Producer and Director for MCC Media. David Mordey is Head of Production. MCC Media are building on this success with many exciting new projects currently in development.
Notes for Editors
Broadcast dates and details
The series starts on the 8th of October at 9:40am and goes out every Saturday and Sunday on Milkshake! which is on Channel 5 until Christmas. Also available on catch up on My5.
MCC Media is an award winning Production Company based in the North East of England specialising in ambitious and entertaining children’s TV. Our creative team are fast gaining a reputation for ground breaking ideas and fresh, imaginative approaches to helping young audiences explore the world in different ways.
Channel 5’s Milkshake! is home to some of the world’s favourite pre-school characters. Channel 5 broadcasts 24 hours of children’s programmes every week and is the top-rated commercial block for 4-15 year old kids. Milkshake! features a range of stimulating, diverse and engaging programmes that include strong character-led animation, live action series, factual entertainment and presenter-led high-quality studio and musical content. Milkshake! is also available non-stop via on-demand service My5, Paramount +, a magazine and a touring Milkshake! Live theatre show.
