Delurking to add that the Room101 household are equally baffled by the outcome of this year's series.
I think it's not just the decision itself, which, in pure business terms, I can kind of understand. BUT because the decision itself - in culinary terms - completely goes against everything everyone thought RB stood for. I think if it had been any other chef there wouldn't have been quite the same level of surprise. Although, even so, it was made in the context of a series all the viewers seemed to assume had a fairly significant cooking element!
I was wondering if anyone had a copy of the wording of this year's advert calling for contestants. I could only find the
application form. This, and the
BBC's own FAQs, both appear to suggest that the ability to cook will be one of the criteria: 'The tasks and challenges are designed by the production team in consultation with Raymond Blanc and his inspectors. They are designed to test every aspect of running a successful restaurant business.'
But I wondered if there was a subtle change in emphasis in the application process this year which we all missed...
I know one or two on here applied; I'd be interested to know the basis on which you thought you were applying.
Personally I think RB should have been brave and not chosen any of them (I also wish someone had taught Nathan how to smile!)