Michel Roux praises 'accessible' show

Michel Roux Jr has said that he believes the new version of TV favourite Food And Drink is more accessible than its predecessor.

The show, originally presented by Chris Kelly, along with wine experts Jilly Goolden and Oz Clarke, and the late Michael Barry, is returning to screens with the chef in charge.

And while he said he did not want to criticise the old show, he felt the new one was more welcoming to viewers.

"I wouldn't want to denigrate the old Food And Drink because I used to watch it and was an avid follower," Michel said.

"But I felt that one was very structured and formal and a bit too serious, whereas this is lighter and far more accessible to viewers."

He also pointed out: "This show is topical... It's a shame we weren't in the studios when the horsemeat story broke because we could have gone into that one in great depth."

Michel also revealed he is now running a cookery school, Cactus Kitchens - which will allow fans to spend the day with him for £895.

"You spend around £900 for a full day with me. I think that's very good value, and we've sold out so far," he said.