Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon has been showered with support as she finally got to reveal why she spent some time away from her job on the cobbles earlier this month. The actress, who plays Maria Windass in the ITV soap, teased how she had been working down south for a few days but couldn't reveal what she had been up to - until now.
Samia is among the famous faces who have signed up for the third series of Cooking With The Stars. Emma Willis and Tom Allen are returning as hosts of the show, presiding over all the action as eight celebrities are paired with professional chefs who will mentor them, in a bid to transform them from amateur to expert in a matter of weeks.
Joining Samia in the cooking challenge is actor Jason Watkins, boxing legend Chris Eubank, actress Joanna Page, singer and television personality Peter Andre, Busted’s Matt Willis, Steps’ Claire Richards and Love Island star Indiyah Polack.
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Throughout the series the celebrities will be guided by their Chef Mentor as they attempt to create the winning dish in a series of intense Cooking Battles. The loser of each Battle will then have to fight for their place in the competition in the Cook Off – as they're tasked with creating a dish they’ve never seen before. Judged blind by all the chefs there is the possibility that the losing celebrity could be sent home by their own Chef Mentor.
Revealing her latest gig on Instagram, Samia posted a selfie of herself with her chef mentor, Michelin Starred French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. "Thrilled to finally announce the new challenge that I’m taking on… @itv Cooking with the stars!" She went on to share: "Thank you to you, wonderful @jeanchristophe_novelli .. I feel so honoured to have you teaching me how to cook properly. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor.. I’m loving every delicious second!"
Corrie co-star Sally Dynevor was among the first to respond, writing in he comments: "Fantastic. Have a wonderful time." While Lisa George replied: "Can’t wait to see it." And former soap co-star Kel Allen, who played Laura Neelan in the ITV soap, added: "Yes queeen!"
Samia's mum Patsy also shared her pride for her daughter, commenting: "One very proud Mum, Good luck Sam and to Jeanchristohe." And fans were quick to show their support too.
@annettefisher5488 commented: "You will smash it luv you go girl Samia." @judy.roper.73 said: "Wow how awesome, I bet you will do amazing at it and have so much fun as well , good luck." @showbizshel wrote: "This is going to be fab! Can’t wait to see you both in action." @shaunmorri_s replied: "Well done that is great news keep on cooking." @valentinamentessi added: "Happy cooking can’t wait to see it."
The other professional chefs also taking part in the challenge this year are British chef and TV presenter Rosemary Shrager (partnered with Peter Andre), chef director Jack Stein (partnered with Chris Eubank), Scottish chef and restaurateur Tony Singh MBE (partnered with Claire Richards), Michelin Starred executive chef Michael Caines MBE (partnered with Joanna Page), restauranter and cookery author Shelina Permalloo (partnered with Matt Willis), chef & restaurateur April Jackson (partnered with Jason Watkins) and award-winning chef Ellis Barrie (partnered with Indiyah Polack).
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