BBC to welcome back Food And Drink

Food And Drink is to make a comeback to the BBC - hosted by top chef Michel Roux Jnr.

The show will return to BBC Two for a six-part series next year, 12 years after it was dumped from the screen.

Among the notable faces associated with the show during its 19 years on air were the late Michael Barry, Chris Kelly and the wine experts Jilly Goolden and Oz Clarke.

The BBC said the new series would involve Michel - who has been a judge on the professional version of MasterChef - guiding viewers through recipes with a "stellar cast" from the culinary world.

The programme will also examine food trends and consumer issues.

Michel said: "The original programme inspired many and with Britain's appreciation for good food having grown so much in the last 30 years, I am looking forward to exploring fantastic food and drink with old and new friends."

"I will be cooking up some classics, like my signature souffle Suissesse which will reflect the programme's heritage. There will be lots of new and exciting recipes and ingredients for viewers to try at home and some surprising modern twists to traditional dishes."

Liam Keelan, the BBC's controller of daytime, said: "Given the show's heritage and importance to anyone with a passion for food, we could only ever see Michel Roux Jr fronting it, so it's fantastic to have him as the host."