Tonight is the final of the brilliant, stupendous, marvellous and fantastique The Restaurant (BBC Two, 8pm) and I can barely contain myself! However, before I remind you of what the show entails, we have a little announcement to make. Le God, Raymond Blanc, star of the show, has been made an honorary OBE for services to the British food industry. How great is that? Raymond was presented with the honour by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham… just in time for the big finish!

Monsieur Blanc arrived in Britain way back in ’72 and opened his first restaurant in Oxford 12 years later. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons was named Egon Ronay Restaurant of the Year in 1985 and has retained two Michelin stars for more than two decades. That’s more than impressive!

Blanc said: “I am both proud and delighted to be awarded this honour by Her Majesty the Queen for my contributions to the food industry in Britain. Being French, I have an almost innate love of the best cuisine and produce.

“I am thrilled that building my successful career in cooking has grown alongside building an awareness and appreciation of good food, healthy dishes and quality produce for British palates.”

And now, he’s about to go into business with either Alasdair and James, or Russell and Michelle. I’ve got no idea who he’s going to choose… so a little challenge on the Orient Express ought to sort out the wheat from the chaff! As a further little treat, here’s a picture of Raymond back in 1991, looking a bit like a glamorous tennis player or something…

[Image 1: Jonathan Hordle/Rex Features]
[Image 2: Martyn Goddard/Rex Features]