Shrewsbury chef makes it through in Nigella TV show

James Sherwin's food was described as "seductive" by Lawson as he wowed judges to beat 13 other hopefuls to the final of Channel 4's The Taste.

Mr Sherwin, from Heath Farm, Shrewsbury, is one of just 25 wannabe chefs chosen to compete on The Taste, where Nigella is one of three judges who comment on just one mouthful of food made by hopefuls.

Up against 24 other cooks, the Shrewsbury nurse turned chef knew he had to dazzle. And dazzle he did – as he beat 13 other contestants to win a coveted place on The Taste – the latest cooking show to hit TV screens.

In the opening episode screened last night, James, a 35-year-old self taught chef, wowed all three judges - all of whom wanted him on their team.

Father-of-two James, from Heath Farm, made his chestnut and crab ravioli dish to perfection but still nervously awaited his fate while the judges savoured his dish.

With just one spoon to showcase his talents, the former mixed martial arts fighter was delighted when they all voted for him to join their team.

They said his food was 'fabulous, perfectly balanced and seductive', 'very surprising' and 'a dish that made me think'.

"I was terrified and couldn't believe it when they all said they wanted me," said James, who is father to Poppy, six and one-year-old Ava.

"Only one other person on the show got three yeses. I chose Team Ludo as I have his cookbook at home and now I have the chance to work with him too. The man is a genius.

"It totally blew my mind to get three yeses. It was amazing."

The 25 cooks were given one hour in which to create whatever they wished, and the judges considered their effort on one single spoon, which they tasted blind.

"My life is in this spoon," said one contestant while another added: "This spoon is the most important spoon of my life."

The Taste has already run for a season in the USA - pulling in up to six million viewers.

Last night was the first time Nigella appeared in a British show since admitting taking cocaine in the past. She was a witness in court last month as two of her former personal assistants were cleared of fraud.

Last week she was interviewed on Good Morning America, when she admitted that the whole experience of the trial had been "mortifying"

• The Taste: Read what our reviewer thought