JAMES MAY has put the lid on his cooking show – because he is now an accomplished chef. The former Top Gear presenter was a food novice before embarking on his two Oh Cook! series for Prime Video , which documented his culinary journey. But now he has reached a decent standard — and released a best- selling cookery book — he thinks the joke is over and is now focusing on making other shows.
A TV insider said: “The whole idea behind the show was James being a clueless cook and learning on the job. “It was a totally fresh concept that viewers lapped up, as usually cooking series are presented by professional chefs. “But after two seasons, James is now quite a good cook, so it’s not a gag he can continue to flog.
” The first Oh Cook! series aired in 2020 and the title is a play on his famous catchphrase Oh C**k! used on his motoring series. Each episode involved him learning the basics of how to make a particular type of cuisine or meal, including a roast dinner and a curry. The second series, which was screened last May, saw James up the ante, taking on French classics and vegan dishes, as well as knocking up the food for a Seventies dinner party.
The show did so well that the accompanying book featuring dishes created on the series became his most popular. It even outsold his books on cars, wine and toys — subjects in which he would consider himself a genuine expert. James will continue to have strong links with Prime Video, who also air his successful travelo.