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 giant model of the sun is now illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun has arrived in Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last (sort of).
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail,the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Grassroots Leeds music venue secures long-term future as part of community ownership scheme
Clementine Hall
Northern Guitars in Leeds has had its long-term future secured after the building has been purchased as part of a nationwide community ownership initiative.
If you've ever been on a night out on Call Lane, then you will know of (or have heard) Northern Guitars.
It's about as grassroots as it gets, a proper intimate venue supporting artists of all levels.
And now the much-loved city centre venue, which has become a staple of Leeds' music scene, is one of the latest independent music venues to benefit from a scheme designed to protect cultural spaces from the pressures of the commercial property market.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space has been acquired by community benefit society Music Venue Properties (MVP), an organisation set up by the Music Venue Trust to buy the buildings occupied by grassroots venues and rent them back to operators on long-term agreements.
The move means the brilliant Northern Guitars can continue doing what it does best without the uncertainty that often comes with being in an increasingly challenging landscape.
MVP was launched in 2022 in response to the growing number of grassroots venues disappearing across the UK. According to the organisation, more than a third of the country's grassroots music venues have closed over the last two decades, with many struggling due to short-term leases and rising property costs.
Since launching, MVP has raised more than £7 million through community investment and funding, using the money to secure permanent homes for venues that play a vital role in nurturing emerging artists and supporting local music scenes.
This is a proper win for Northern Guitars and we're absolutely chuffed to know that they'll be going absolutely nowhere.
Sophie Smith -
16th February 2022 
