Meet Tony

Over the last few years I have been teased and nagged about cooking..."Why haven't you ever cooked...? "Why don't you try it ? You would be good at it"! etc.

Well my chance arrived in the form of an advert for a cookery programme which would be hosted by Lorraine Pascale. How could anyone say no to an opportunity like that? So I applied, and only a few weeks later I was told I was in: "Get that apron on, Lorraine is on her way!"

Nervous? Yes. Excited? Very!

I first met Lorraine at my home, where I told her my story and why I have never cooked. For 52 years I was never encouraged to, as my mum cooked while I lived at home. And years ago at school, boys never did cookery, just woodwork and metal work. Then I got married at 23 years old. Jane, my wife, took over the role of cooking, and that is how it's been ever since.

At the beginning of filming, did I think I could pull the big meal off? Without help, definitely not. I did not have a clue where to start! I have always been particular in everything I do, so presentation was something I was not initially worried about. But with cooking, it has to be done very fast which makes me panic!

I have learnt a lot making this programme. Cooking techniques like frying, heat - when to turn it up or down. It sounds simple, but when you don't know, its difficult! It can be so easy to burn something.

My life has also changed in many other ways. I have more confidence not only in the kitchen but in everything.

The most important tip I would give to others new to cooking is it is all about confidence and just give it a try. As long as you follow a recipe you can't go far wrong. After that, you can also experiment with food to suit your own tastes, but beware this can also go wrong. But by making mistakes, I learnt and understood about taste etc, and so can you.

I have learnt (within reason!) that the presentation does not have to be perfect, but tasting good is the main concern.

Two months after the main day, I am still cooking and enjoying it more than ever. I am getting more confident with it. The most I have cooked for was eight people which was quite stressful, but now when I cook for only four it seems quite easy. What I now need to do is try some other dishes!

I hope to continue with these new found culinary skills and hopefully soon try some new dishes. At the moment, everyone just wants to try the menu which I cooked on the day!

Not only has it been possibly the most exciting thing I have done, the whole experience was brilliant. It has given me the chance to cook because if I had never seen that advert I may possibly never ever have tried.