C’est formidable! The BBC have made me very happy this morning by announcing that they’ve recommissioned The Restaurant for a third series! WAHOO! [Although we did cover this a few weeks ago - Ed] The show, fronted by Le God, Raymond Blanc, will once again see nine couples battling it out for the opportunity to open a restaurant with him. Even after two series, that’s still a mindnumbingly brilliant prize. Blanc said of the new series: “This year will be survival of the fittest. I am not looking for dreamers, I want to see couples with fresh ideas and a partnership that will flourish under pressure.” And what’s this about Masterchef?

Related: Our The Restaurant section | Our Masterchef section

“Raymond has seen his share of ups and downs but remained at the top of his profession for the last 30 years,” said executive producer Chloe Soloman. “Having nurtured more Michelin-starred chefs and front of house managers than any other chef it is an incredible privilege for our couples to work alongside him.”

If you’re mental enough, BBC Two is currently seeking applicants for the new series. Please bear in mind, any successful applicants may well be called names by me in the future. Okay? Okay.

So. Masterchef eh?

Well, I’ve walked you down the garden path a little I’m afraid (it’s what us writer’s do, sadly) but it’s still very interesting. Raymond Blanc has said that he is interested in working with Masterchef winner Mat Follas. Ain’t that the coolest?!

Blanc told The Mirror: “Mat is a talented chef with a flair for good, locally produced food. I would certainly be interested in hiring someone with his ability.” Follas commented: “Raymond Blanc is one of my biggest inspirations so the possibility of working with him, or in one of his restaurants, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.”

Hurray to that. Let’s hope the two get together, which in turn propels the Masterchef winner into a fruitful career in the food industry!