Daily Cooks challenge – Meet the chefs

John Burton Race

Lively character John describes himself as ‘Mad as a hatter, sharp as a knife, a culinary genius and a big softie at heart.’

Born in Singapore, he spent his youth travelling and experiencing food from around the world before settling in Hampshire.

He held various head chef positions before opening his own restaurants L'Ortolan in Berkshire and later the Landmark Hotel, London, both of which received Michelin stars.

John was made famous by C4 series French Leave, which documented his departure from London to the French countryside in 2003. Another series, Return of the Chef, filmed his relocation to Dartmouth where he ran The New Angel, which has since closed.

In 2007, he made a memorable appearance on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here. He was also a judge on the first series of Britain’s Best Dish and will be appearing on the following series later this year.

Watch John on itv.com

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  John on I'm a Celebrity...

  John tells Lynne Franks he's fed up with her incessant moaning during a round-up of the best campsite fights

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  Britain's Best Dish

  “That makes me want to vomit” John gives his expert opinion during a search for the nation’s favourite meal