MasterChef voted ‘best cookery programme’ by Freeview viewers
MasterChef is top of the menu for TV viewers.
Long running BBC series MasterChef, which has gone through a couple of format changes since it first launched in 1990 with Loyd Grossman at the helm, has been voted the best telly cookery show by Freeview viewers – but a third of those who took part would rather eat a ready meal while they watch.
British cookery programmes have evolved over the years from Fanny Cradock and Delia to Nigella and Heston. But according to new research by Freeview, it’s the current phenomenon of competitive cookery shows that tickle our taste buds, with MasterChef being voted our favourite cookery show of all-time (15%) – and The Great British Bake Off in second place (10%).
However, it would seem the popularity of these TV programmes has converted us into a nation of ‘Micro Chefs’ rather than aspiring chefs. According to the research, approximately 1.4million Brits (3%) admit to writing down dishes from cookery shows such as MasterChef and Delia only to buy them as ready meals later. And over a third of us (31%) admit to tucking into a take away or supermarket ready meal whilst watching our favourite cookery shows.
Celebrity chef Lisa Faulkner, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, commented: “I’m not surprised MasterChef has been voted as the favourite cookery programme of all time. That said, it’s a shame our fascination for watching our favourite foodies hasn’t had an effect on what we’re cooking in our own kitchens. For me, the great thing about cookery programmes is they inspire me to try new dishes and show that making a good quality meal doesn’t have to take hours.”
The research also revealed that when it comes to cookery inspiration, Brits are now turning to the TV just as much as recipe books (both 39%) with 15% of us under the age of 45 taking inspiration from programmes we are watching, rather than picking up a recipe book to cook a decent meal.
Guy North, Marketing Communications Director at Freeview, said: “It’s really interesting to see that TV is now as influential as recipe books. With the adoption of digital technologies like the PVR, people can record and store their favourite series so they never miss an episode – creating their own personalised, digital recipe library.”
Top 10 cookery programmes of all time:
1. MasterChef (1990 – current) (15%)
2. Great British Bake Off (2010 – current) (10%)
3. Floyd on Food (1986 – 1996) (6%)
4. River Cottage (1998 – current) (5%)
5. Nigella Bites (1998 – 2002) (4%)
6. Rick Steins Food Odyssey (1999 – 2009) (3%)
7. Great British Menu (2006 – current) (3%)
8. The Naked Chef (1999 – 2001) (3%)
9. Galloping Gourmet (1969 – 1971) (2%)
10. Delia’s How To Cook (1998 – 2001) (2%)
MasterChef, currently fronted by Gregg Wallace and John Torode, airs its series finale tonight on BBC One at 9pm
Research conducted by Populus amongst 2,000 adults (18yrs +) from 12th – 14th April 2013.
