[6] Two members of the public provided two celebrity chefs with a bag of ingredients they had bought, usually to a set budget of £5.

Another format was used on occasion in which both kitchens were given the same ingredients and the toss of a red and green die determined who had first pick.

The preparations were voted on by the studio audience, who each held up a card showing either a red tomato or green pepper.

The two chefs each had a chance to describe what they would cook using the bag of ingredients and the audience members voted to choose which dish they would like to see prepared.

The hectic preparation of the chosen chef's suggested dishes often includes a slight element of chaos and ad-libbing along the way.

A viewer's question relating to a cooking problem is usually put to the chefs, further adding to the pressure upon them to complete their dishes in the time allowed.

Celebrity appearances include: David Tennant, Wendy Richard, Kate Winslet, Honor Blackman, James May, Richard Hammond, Paul O'Grady as alter-ego Lily Savage, Cliff Richard, Twiggy, Rakie Ayola, Fiona Bruce, Gail Porter, Midge Ure, Edd China, Amanda Redman, Ade Edmondson and Alan Davies.

He is joined by chefs Ellis Barrie, Romy Gill, Anna Haugh, Akis Petretzikis, and Mike Reid.

Ready Steady Cook introduced various sustainability efforts, including favouring glass over plastic, initiating a recycling programme, donating leftover food to a local food bank, and using locally sourced seasonal ingredients and Fair Trade items when available.