Tom Kerridge to front BBC Food & Drink

14-Oct-2014 - Last updated on 15-Oct-2014 at 15:22 GMT

Kerridge: the new face of Food and Drink

Michelin-star chef and pub licensee Tom Kerridge is to be the new face of BBC Two's Food and Drink programme, taking over from Michel Roux Junior.

The chef, who runs the Hand and Flowers pub in Marlow with his wife Beth, aims to showcase some of his favourite recipes and discuss general issues in the industry.

Kerridge will be joined by wine expert Joe Wadsack, who has worked for a number of supermarket chains as a buyer and consultant.

Kerridge said: "I felt very flattered when the BBC approached me about this show. I am going to work hard to do them proud! I love to share my passion for food and am looking forward to getting people talking about something that is so close to my heart.”

Wadsack said: "I feel excited and honoured to follow in the footsteps of Oz Clarke, Jilly Goolden and Kate Goodman, and have the opportunity to arm the country with the knowledge to navigate the walls and walls of choice available in shops today, not just of wine, but the fantastic burgeoning choice of beers and ciders available today."

The new show will air in 2015 with a revamped format. Special guests will include Raymond Blanc, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and the Hairy Bikers.

Robi Dutta, executive producer of the show, said: “Tom Kerridge is one of the most exciting food talents around – really knowledgeable, fantastic food and an all-round great guy. He’s really enthusiastic about getting stuck into Food and Drink and moving it on.

"Both he and Joe will really build on the series as the place to talk about food and drink."

Tom Kerridge will host the 2015 Top 50 Gastropub awards. Find out more about the event here.