Two new chefs join 'Ready Steady Cook'

Aldo Zilli and Maria Elia have joined the team of chefs for the new series of Ready Steady Cook.

The established duo will appear with host Ainsley Harriott and regulars James Tanner, Gino D'Acampo, Paul Rankin, Phil Vickery, Nick Nairn and Lesley Waters.

"It's great to be part of the Ready Steady team and I felt honoured to be asked," said Elia.

"The night before the first show I felt sick with nerves but I soon began to relax and actually started to enjoy myself! I always find if you're relaxed and happy your food will taste so much better!"

Celebrity contestants on the new series will all be professional rivals or family members. Apprentice stars Raef Bjayou and Claire Young, Strictly Come Dancing's Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova and Celeb Air's Chico and Kenzie are among the guests.

The series also introduces a new credit crunch Budget Bag, which will include a selection of food only worth £3.50 for the cooks to make a meal with.

Ready Steady Cook returns to BBC Two in January.