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Rick Stein’s Cornwall set to air on BBC Two

Rick Stein is set to host a new series about Cornwall.

The 73-year-old chef has a long-standing love for the scenic county, and he is poised to celebrate the best of Cornish life, history and heritage through the 15-part series for BBC Two.

The TV star – whose new show is called ‘Rick Stein’s Cornwall’ – said: "Crossing the Tamar for our holidays to Cornwall from Devon was like going into another country and in the car on our way to Padstow we were driving through an enchanted land, capped for my sister and me by seeing the sea at Trevose Head for the first time.

"Now, after so many years of living here, it still does feel different. I want to try and explain that difference, to tell you what Cornwall means to me."

The series will see Rick explore the rich history and heritage of the county, while every episode will also see him cook a simple dish inspired by his trips.

Looking forward to the new series, Carla-Maria Lawson, the BBC’s head of daytime and early peak, commented: "Wherever in the world Rick takes us on his cultural and culinary explorations is a revelation and this time we’re delighted he’s roaming closer to home to give BBC Two viewers a taste of the real Cornwall.

"Although he made Cornwall his home decades ago, he’s in for a few surprises along the way and viewers can also expect their senses to be piqued as he dives into the county’s rich food heritage."

Meanwhile, Rick acknowledged in July that the restaurant business is facing a huge crisis amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The chef – who opened the Seafood Restaurant in Padstow in the 70s – admitted that the current outlook is more challenging than anything he’s previously encountered.

Asked how the financial fallout caused by the pandemic compares to previous recessions, he explained: "Much worse. In 2008, we had to cut back and lay off staff, but nothing like this."