There is a touch of Marco Pierre White in the creation of Gareth Blackstock.
The enfant terrible of British cuisine bought critical acclaim and bad temper to the kitchen.
Just the ingredients Lenny Henry wanted as he tried to break out of sketch shows and pirate radio DJ Delbert Wilkins.
Written by Peter Tilbury, the creator of sitcom Shelley. Gareth is a Michelin 2 starred head Chef at Le Château Anglais.
In the first episode Gareth has been told to cut his budget and is looking to go elsewhere. His wife Janice likes their house and she devises a way to juggle the finances.
Find a commis chef who would work for free, fire the existing one who is useless. Promote Lucinda as a sous chef without a pay rise. In walks Everton who knew Gareth from school and wants to learn how to cook.
The trick was to make Gareth cynical and abrasive and still remain likeable. A trick Lenny Henry pulls off. He insults the staff but discovers that Lucinda has talent. Gareth also finds it difficult to sack his commis, showing his soft centre.