Martin Blunos from Iron Chef UK gives us the lowdown
Iron Chef UK sounds pretty tough. Are you tough enough?
Am I tough enough? Of course I am - it's the Baltic blood in me.
What are your strengths in the kitchen?
My strengths in the kitchen are, I think, the ability to carry on when the s**t hits the fan!
Have you met The Chairman? What's he like?
The chairman is a great guy, very honorable, a real foodie and he gets and gives respect in equal measure. You wouldn't want to mess with him, that's for sure
What do you make of your rival Iron Chefs? Who's the one to beat?
All the Iron Chefs are strong characters in their own right. And oh so focused - any of them on the day are tough nuts to crack.
Did you watch any Iron Chef from other countries? What did you think of them?
I have seen the Americans in action and they are a pretty formidable bunch, worthy of the title 'Iron Chef America' - but I reckon we could give 'em a run for their money.
What should viewers expect from Iron Chef UK?
The UK show is a little different from the Stateside one. It's fast paced and action all the way. A teriffic set that's all singing and dancing. The production team are so into the show and the home ecs are dying on their feet to deliver all that's needed for the eight dishes per battle. I think the viewers can expect entertainment, jeopardy, humour, fear, and a bit more!
The Iron Chef sounds like a superhero - if you were a superhero what would your super power be?
My superpower would be... the power to stop the s**t hitting the fan!
Every day you'll be cooking with a special ingredient? Anything you're a master of? Anything you'd rather not have to cook?
Special ingredient that I can rinse the opposition with is beetroot (I hope). The one I'd hate to get would be tripe - get that bad boy and I'd be in trouble - saying that, I'd give it go though.
Do you know who will be judging you? Confident you're up to the challenge?
We are not privvy to who the judges are and they change from week to week - being confident is part of the Iron Chefs' make up - could be part of the reason we've been chosen.
Olly Smith's on board and we know he likes a sing-song. What's your karaoke number?
Olly is a great guy, we are kindred spirits - it's our blonde hair I think!
