Alan Carr

Comedian Alan Carr loves classic home-cooked comfort food, but he doesn’t know where to begin making it, relying instead on takeaways. Determined to learn how to cook before his 50th birthday, he asks Mary for help. Ready for the challenge, Mary arrives at Alan’s house to teach him some delicious foolproof recipes, including decadent parma ham and cauliflower cheese parcels, a surprisingly easy dish to impress his showbiz friends; simple but sensational honey mustard chicken with rustic potatoes; speedy beef chow mein which he can whip up quicker than a takeaway; and nostalgic and comforting apricot upside-down pudding. To get them started, Mary also brings her version of one of Alan’s favourite dishes: a hearty vegetarian lasagne melanzane, with a clever alternative to white sauce.

Whilst in Alan’s house, Mary can’t resist the opportunity to snoop in his fridge and is surprised to find it almost empty. A peek in his wine rack is more rewarding, and after their endeavours in the kitchen, they relax in the garden with a glass of rosé. It isn’t all smooth sailing, though, with the fire alarm interrupting one of their recipes! Alan shows Mary his family photo album and tells her about his love of his mum’s hearty home cooking. At the end of a fun day together, Alan has a surprise in store: a very special 'thank you' cocktail to enjoy on the roof terrace.