Oliva Attwood to host new ITV cookery contest 'The Heat'
ITV has unveiled an all-new reality series – The Heat – a sizzling format that follows a group of aspiring young chefs as they take on the most intense challenge of their lives. Produced by Twofour (part of ITV Studios), the 10 x 60-minute series is set to air on ITV2 and ITVX in 2026.
Fronted by broadcaster Olivia Attwood, The Heat brings together ten up-and-coming culinary talents who travel to Barcelona to work under the legendary multi-Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. He’s launching a high-end summer restaurant at the luxurious Port Vell Marina – and on the hunt for the next big name in the kitchen.
But this is far more than just a cooking competition. Once service ends, the drama continues, as the cameras capture the chefs’ lives beyond the kitchen. With relationships forming, tensions flaring, and rivalries brewing, The Heat blends high-pressure cooking with high-stakes reality – where both personal and professional dynamics are constantly under fire.
As the competition unfolds, the chefs soon discover that nothing is guaranteed. Each shift could bring a promotion or a demotion, a power play or an unexpected firing. The pressure is relentless – and every service could make or break them.
Olivia Attwood said, “It is such an honour to host this brand-new format for ITV2 and ITVX, being at the helm of something this fresh and exciting is a total pinch-me moment!”
Jean-Christophe Novelli said, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join this new exciting show and help spotlight the next generation of culinary talent. Known for my drive and intensity in the kitchen, I’ll be using my passion and unique teaching style to push these young chefs to dig deep, stay sharp, and prove they have what it takes to grow, evolve, and make their mark. I’ll mentor them to use all five senses together and put it all on the plate, the right way. It’s going to be a wild ride, and I know we’ll discover some true culinary stars along the way. I’m ready. Let’s do this. Allez, Allez – bon appétit!”
Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning and Acquisitions, ITV said, “The Heat is the perfect fusion of a high-stakes cooking show with real-life drama, and with the fantastic Olivia at the forefront alongside the renowned Jean-Christophe calling the shots in the kitchen, it’s shaping up to be a new reality obsession for our younger viewers on ITV2 and ITVX.”
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David Clews, Chief Creative Officer for Twofour said, “We can’t wait to bring The Heat to ITV2 and ITVX, a reality-cooking competition crossover, sure to dish out delicious drama. With the incredible Olivia Atwood hosting and the legendary Jean-Christophe Novelli in charge, we couldn’t be more thrilled. They really are a fabulous combination.”
Dan Gray, Executive Producer for Twofour added, “Filming is underway in Barcelona and it’s so exciting to see our ambitious young chefs enter the heat of the kitchen, as well as having the time of their lives in the city too. The series really is shaping up to be absolutely unmissable.”
With Olivia offering her signature mix of insight, sass, and behind-the-scenes scoops, The Heat serves up all the key ingredients of a gripping reality show with a fiery twist. The big question: who will rise – and who will get burned?