A Leeds student Facebook page was first to hear the news.
Students are known for their weird and wonderful culinary inventions. Whether you lived off pasta for the first year of halls or all you know how to do is put frozen food in the oven, students are often known for their lack of invention in the kitchen.
Apparently, finding the kitchen a challenge makes you the perfect candidates to get five minutes of fame in Leeds.
Image: ITV Studios
ITV Studios is looking for 18 - 30 year olds in Leeds that struggle to muster up anything in the kitchen as part of a new television series.
The show is casting for individuals that struggle in the kitchen and, of course, are happy to share that with the world.
The call for potential contestants was shared on the Leeds Students' Group this week and has piqued plenty of interest over the last few days.
"ITV Studios is looking for people aged 18-30 to take part in a huge new reality / competition series which see's 10 people living together who are useless in the kitchen! With celebrity guests, different challenges throughout the show and a big cash prize to be won!
"If interested in finding out more details or would like to nominate someone, please comment below, send me a message or drop an email to samuel.lynn@itv.com".
Despite advertising on the student page, it seems that anyone within these age brackets can apply for the show.
As you'd imagine, students aplenty were keen to apply, even if it meant confessing to their lack of culinary skills.
One said "So Big Brother student edition, I'm down" and another asked "can [we] dumb down your kitchen skills in order for an hour of fame?" with others chipping in tagging their friends with statements like "I reckon you could win, the way u cook those frozen nuggets is incredible".
Although nothing has appeared on the ITV website for the programme yet, the Facebook post gives details about how candidates can apply for a spot on the show.
Last month, Channel 4 were also on the lookout for TV chefs in the making, though they were hoping for a professional level of cooking.
Entitled Come Dine With Me: The Professionals, Channel 4 has been looking for restaurants that can serve up the best food in town and share it on national television.
Those hopeful to make it on to the cult TV show will have to apply via Multi Story Media and email cdwm@multistory.tv, for more information you can visit the Come Dine With Me Facebook page.
A much-loved black cat at Huddersfield Railway Station has died in a tragic road accident.
You may remember back in 2018 when a couple of adorable kittens went viral on the internet for being exceptional members of the Transpennine Express crew at Huddersfield Railway Station.
Bolt first joined as an apprentice to Felix, the station’s famous Senior Pest Controller, and quickly became a firm favourite of the team and of people at home.
So much so, that a Facebook page set up for Bolt and Felix gained more than 167,000 followers.
Sadly, Transpennine Express released the news yesterday that Bolt had sadly passed away in a road traffic accident.
Transpennine Express Press Office (Supplied)
Announcing the news, they said: "It is with heavy hearts that TransPennine Express (TPE) announces the passing of Bolt, Huddersfield’s much-loved former station cat, following a road traffic accident.
"Bolt joined the team at Huddersfield station in 2018 as an apprentice to Felix, the station’s famous Senior Pest Controller, and quickly became a firm favourite with colleagues, customers and visitors from around the world."
Of course, tributes have been pouring in with fans expressing their sadness.
One person said: "Oh no! I remember when Bolt first arrived. R.I.P. Sweet Bolt, may Felix be waiting to show you around just as when you first arrived at Huddersfield."
Whilst another said: "This is such very sad news. When all the work is completed at Huddersfield Station, might it be possible to give another deserving cat or kitten, a home there? There are so many cats and kittens in sanctuaries all over, who need a safe and loving home."
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director for TPE said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bolt. He was a much-loved member of the Huddersfield station family and brought joy and comfort to so many people over the years.
“From his early days learning from Felix to becoming a star in his own right, Bolt left his paw prints on the hearts of colleagues, customers and fans across the world. He will be very sadly missed.”
Bolt’s former companion Felix, another much-loved member of the Huddersfield station team, sadly passed away in 2023.
Featured image - Transpennine Express Press Office (Supplied)
News
National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Clementine Hall
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Sophie Smith -
16th February 2022 
