Currie is hot in Hell's Kitchen

Former politician Edwina Currie has donned chef's whites to brush up on her cookery skills in her local pub.

Ms Currie, who was forced to resign from her job as health minister after she falsely claimed that most of Britain's eggs were infected with salmonella bacteria, is one of 10 celebrities who have volunteered to brave the wrath of top chef Gordon Ramsay (pictured)​ in his new television series Hell's Kitchen.

She and her nine fellow contestants are cooking the food in a purpose-built London restaurant, guided by Mr Ramsay and his protégées Mark Sergeant and Angela Hartnett.

Ms Currie prepared for her debut as a television chef by getting down to some hard work in the kitchen at her local pub.

She spent three days working at the Castle Inn in Outwood in Surrey with licensees Warwick and Jan Bean and head chef Christian Hodgskin.

"Edwina and her husband eat in here occasionally and she came to me when she was offered the chance to do the programme to volunteered her services," said Mr Bean.

"She worked with us on three very busy days - a Friday, Saturday and Sunday - and did a brilliant job.

"It was actually very useful to have an extra pair of hands in the kitchen."

Ms Currie, whose husband JJ is a chef, has been working hard in Hell's Kitchen and has said she is determined to learn as much as she can from Gordon Ramsay.

She said working in the pub had opened her eyes to how much effort chefs and kitchen staff put into making a great meal and has vowed never to complain about waiting for food again.

"All our food is home-made," said Mr Bean. "And I think Edwina was surprised at how much care we take with everything. She was genuinely impressed so hopefully she'll tell all her friends."

Earlier this week Mrs Bean and Mr Hodgskin travelled to London to eat in the Hell's Kitchen restaurant. Unlike some of its customers they did get served some food and said they thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

"They had a fantastic time," said Mr Bean. "But the food there isn't as good as ours. Ours is bloody great."