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North Wales Live
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
North Wales TV chef aims to be big Down Under after recipes go viral
A larger than life Cofi chef is aiming to be big Down Under after his recipes went viral. BAFTA Cymru winner and fire-chef Chris 'Flamebaster' Roberts' BBC Wales series, Chris Cooks Cymru, which was shown earlier this year, has been sold to broadcasters in Australia and Georgia. In the meantime, Chris, from Caernarfon, has gone viral on social media, with his recipes for Welsh Rarebit and Conwy mussels getting more 5.5 million hits. The six-part series sees Chris travel across the country, tasting what each region has to offer and cooking up tasty meals in different locations using a variety of cookery methods but specialising in the use of fiery charcoal. Chris said: "It's amazing the reaction we've had to the series in which I've travelled to places in Wales I've never visited before and finding out about local traditions and foods and meeting some fantastic people. 'It's really next level stuff and the series being sold to SBS in Australia and the Georgian channel is the icing on the cake." Made by Caernarfon-based production company Cwmni Da a second series of Chris Cooks Cymru has already been commissioned. Planning is underway for the filming over the summer with the series due to be aired on BBC Wales early next year. "I've been blown away by the response from people watching the series. The engagement from the viewing public has been awesome. 'I'm really chuffed that the series has gone down so well with viewers. It's cool to see my cooking getting such a great reaction." News of the series being shown across the UK and farther afield comes at a busy time for Chris. "I'm preparing for the second series which we'll film in the summer after a trip to Japan for a series that will be shown on S4C in the run-up to Christmas," he said. Japan, added Chris, has been one of his "bucket-list" destinations for a long time. "I've never been there before but I've been wanting to visit for as long as I can remember. The food there is fantastic and they're well known for their fish cookery but they're just as well-known for their cooking with fire and the Wagyu beef is out of this world. "I'm looking forward to visiting, finding out more about their country and their traditions, eating sushi and yakitori and other regional speciality dishes. It's going to be an epic trip." According to Chris, the trip will be done in two stages with one block of filming taking place in May and a second block in the autumn. "We're trying to cover the country for as long as possible. It's said that Japan has 72 seasons in a year so there's a lot to see and a lot of food to eat," he said. Cwmni Da producer Aneurin Thomas, who has worked with Chris for several years, said: "We started off quite simply making short films for the Hansh strand on S4C, featuring everything from cooking stunning steaks over fire to showcasing incredible local seafood. 'Hansh is a platform for young people in Wales to express themselves, and even back then, Chris' energy and talent were unmistakable. 'Since then, we've travelled together filming in Wales, New York, Scandinavia and Spain. It's a real pleasure working with him - he's not only a brilliant chef, but a great friend. 'What you see on screen is exactly what you get: a down to earth guy with a genuine passion for food and people." Chris said: "I just love what I'm doing but it's more than just me. I'm celebrating the butchers, fishmongers, growers, producers, and farmers of Wales — they're my superheroes! I want to shine a light on the incredible work they do behind our phenomenal produce." And on top of all this activity Chris found out that one of his other S4C shows, Siwrna Scandi Chris (Chris's Scandi Journey), has been shortlisted for an award in the Factual Entertainment category at the Celtic Media Festival which will be held in Newquay, Cornwall in early June. In the series Chris embarked on an epic foodie adventure through Scandinavia as well as an emotional reunion with his Scandinavian relatives in Norway. "Sadly I won't be able to attend the festival but it's a great event. We've been nominated many times and had the huge honour of winning at last year's festival in Cardiff," said Chris. The first Chris Cooks Cymru series can be streamed on BBC iPlayer until the autumn of 2025. Siwrna Scandi Chris and Chris' programmes about his visit to Spain last year can be streamed on S4C/Clic. Here is a recipe for Welsh Rarebit – 'Chris Cooks Cymru' Caerffili Style (good for 4 fully loaded rarebit slabs) Ingredients: 2 tbsp plain flour 100g butter 1 can of Welsh stout (or Guinness) Big fat slices of farmhouse white loaf A long splash of Worcestershire sauce A pinch of sea salt Welsh mustard (amount depends on how fiery you like it!) 500g Gorwydd Caerphilly cheese 'Rarebit' is one of our national dishes and I'm really proud of it! It's quite a simple dish, but it's really worth getting the basics right!! Many think it's merely cheese on toast, but Welsh Rarebit is soooo much more! It's a gorgeous gooey oozy mix of cheese, mustard and Welsh stout - one of my ultimate comfort foods. Melt the butter in a pan on medium heat - it's essential you cook out the flour for a couple of minutes 'til it smells toasty - if you don't cook out the flour it'll be grainy and there is nothing on earth more tragic than a grainy rarebit… For a fiery Welsh kick, in with a good dollop of Welsh mustard (it's similar to English mustard - just better ha ha!) make it rain Worcestershire sauce on it and slowly add half a can of your stout (the other half is for the chef to drink as the mixture combines together) then in with the crumbly Caerphilly cheese. Gorwydd Caerphilly is my fave. Melt the cheese with love and care. Keep stirring until everything melts into a glorious, luscious, silky smooth mix. Leave to cool to room temp before adding it on the toast, or keep in the fridge 'til later. (Pro tip: Always make extra - it'll keep for a week or so and is ready to rock whenever the rarebit craving strikes!) I always fully load my rarebit to the max on a toasted thick slab of white bread. Think single bed covered by a super king duvet - it's all about that rarebit hug! Pop it under a hot grill or pizza oven - and take it to the limit, until it's bubble-dancing golden and covered in charred leopard spots.
Business News Wales
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Welsh Chef Goes Global with TV Series Sales to Australia and Georgia
A BBC Wales series featuring a Welsh chef has been sold to broadcasters in Australia and Georgia. BAFTA Cymru winner Chris Roberts' series, Chris Cooks Cymru, was shown earlier this year. The six-part series sees Chris travel across the country, tasting what each region has to offer and cooking up meals in different locations using a variety of cookery methods but specialising in the use of charcoal. Chris said: 'It's amazing the reaction we've had to the series in which I've travelled to places in Wales I've never visited before and finding out about local traditions and foods and meeting some fantastic people. 'It's really next level stuff and the series being sold to SBS in Australia and the Georgian channel is the icing on the cake.' Made by Caernarfon-based production company Cwmni Da, a second series of Chris Cooks Cymru has already been commissioned. Planning is underway for the filming over the summer with the series due to be aired on BBC Wales early next year. 'I'm preparing for the second series which we'll film in the summer after a trip to Japan for a series that will be shown on S4C in the run-up to Christmas,' said Chris. Japan, added Chris, has been one of his 'bucket-list' destinations for a long time. 'I've never been there before but I've been wanting to visit for as long as I can remember. The food there is fantastic and they're well known for their fish cookery but they're just as well-known for their cooking with fire and the Wagyu beef is out of this world. 'I'm looking forward to visiting, finding out more about their country and their traditions, eating sushi and yakitori and other regional speciality dishes. It's going to be an epic trip.' Cwmni Da producer Aneurin Thomas, who has worked with Chris for several years, said: 'We started off quite simply making short films for the Hansh strand on S4C, featuring everything from cooking stunning steaks over fire to showcasing incredible local seafood. 'Hansh is a platform for young people in Wales to express themselves, and even back then, Chris' energy and talent were unmistakable. 'Since then, we've travelled together filming in Wales, New York, Scandinavia and Spain. 'It's a real pleasure working with him – he's not only a brilliant chef, but a great friend. What you see on screen is exactly what you get: a down to earth guy with a genuine passion for food and people.' Chris said: 'I just love what I'm doing but it's more than just me. I'm celebrating the butchers, fishmongers, growers, producers, and farmers of Wales — they're my superheroes. I want to shine a light on the incredible work they do behind our phenomenal produce.' The first Chris Cooks Cymru series can be streamed on BBC iPlayer until the autumn of 2025. Siwrna Scandi Chris and Chris' programmes about his visit to Spain last year can be streamed on S4C/Clic.
Powys County Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Broadcaster and adventurer to host Powys Business Awards
Welsh adventurer and broadcaster with more than 20 years experience, Lowri Morgan, will be hosting this year's Powys Business Awards ceremony. A broadcaster for more than two decades, Lowri Morgan has been announced as the host of the 2025 ceremony for the Powys Business Awards, scheduled to be held at The Hafren, Newtown on Friday, October 17. Lowri said: 'It's a real privilege to host the Powys Business Awards. These awards are all about drive, passion and perseverance – qualities I've seen in the wildest parts of the world and which I know are alive and well in the business community of Powys. 'I'm excited to celebrate the inspiring stories behind this year's finalists.' Best known for her endurance adventures and documentaries for S4C, BBC, ITV and international broadcasters, Lowri has pushed herself to some of the most extreme environments on Earth. From diving to the wreck of the Titanic, to completing ultra-marathons in the Arctic and Amazon, her journey has earned her major accolades including BAFTA Cymru's Best Presenter, Spirit of the Festival (Celtic Media Festival) and National Adventure Awards Media winner. Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), the annual awards celebrate business innovation, resilience, excellence and talent across Powys. Powys Business Awards, founded 16 years ago, aims to recognise and reward the exceptional talent, innovation and commitment that help drive the local economy forward. The awards ceremony is expected to attract key business leaders, community figures and dignitaries from across the region.
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Death Valley star on what's 'haunted her entire life' as health diagnosis help with new role
BBC Death Valley star on what's 'haunted her entire life' as health diagnosis help with new role Gwyneth Keyworth stars opposite Timothy Spall in BBC One's new drama, Death Valley, but the actress has opened up about her struggles with ADHD. Gwyneth Keyworth plays Janie, a Welsh detective with an obsession for old TV detective shows (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Jay Brooks ) Being neurodivergent can be challenging, as actress Gwyneth Keyworth recently confessed, her condition can sometimes be difficult to manage and even admitted "that has haunted me my entire life." Whilst in a BAFTA Cymru Q&A session for her new BBC comedy crime drama Death Valley, the actress told the audience how there are some parallels between her and her character Janie when it comes to neurodiversity. Gwyneth, who has been diagnosed with ADHD said that she had struggled growing up with the condition. Her new series, follows her character Janie Mallowan, a Welsh detective sergeant who teams up with her favourite actor John Chapel, played by Timothy Spall, to solve crimes around the Welsh Valleys. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Gwyneth told the audience that she worked with the writer to reflect her own neurodiversity in her character after saying that her ADHD "has haunted me my entire life." She said: "I'm diagnosed ADHD, and when I was in school in a certain system it was really hard, but in real life there's always some real pros to it. "So, it was really about letting that be part of Janie, because she doesn't work the way everyone else works, but the way she does work - works for her." Article continues below She also added that despite struggling herself with the condition: "I think that's the lovely thing about how Janie's been written, is it is not a hindrance." Content cannot be displayed without consent Recently she also confessed that she wouldn't be able to take on a career as a detective. She admitted: "I'm definitely not built for detective work. I have , I can't keep track of anything!" The actress added: "Janie and I are both scatty. I am always losing stuff, but Janie is more direct than I am and a lot more blunt. I like her commitment to being good at her job and how she won't let anyone get in the way of it." Despite being her first leading role, Gwyneth has previously starred in numerous large scale projects. This includes another BBC series set in Wales, Lost Boys & Fairies, where she played the character Becky. She has also starred in Game of Thrones, Netflix's Black Mirror, The Crown and also Misfits. She also spoke of working with Timothy Spall and said that her co-star looked out for her on set. Gwyneth said: "He is the best and not only is he an amazing actor, but he is also a really nice and kind person. Article continues below "I learnt so much from him especially on how to approach leading a series. We became really good friends, and I always knew he had my back, he would say: 'take a minute, we've got this.'" Death Valley will air on Sunday, May 25 at 8.15pm on BBC One, however the whole boxset will be launching on BBC iPlayer at the same time.
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Death Valley's full list of Welsh filming locations
BBC Death Valley's full list of Welsh filming locations When things are set in Wales we just can't help ourselves, we have to try and figure out where they are. So, here is a full list to ease your minds. You may recognise some of the locations used to film the new BBC series Death Valley BBC's Death Valley is the latest series filmed and set in Wales which will be popping up on our screens this weekend. This can only mean one thing, that at least 50% of the Welsh population will be cwtched up with a cuppa ready to watch the premier tonight, May 25 saying "hold on, that looks like Cardiff." Now, here at Wales Online, we are awfully thoughtful, and we thought wouldn't it be nice to save you the trouble of endless research trying to figure out where everything is set. From Cardiff to Bridgend, here is a full list of where Death Valley is set. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter At a BAFTA Cymru event ahead of the series' debut on May 25, Director of BBC Wales Rhuanedd Richards said that she was delighted that the comedy crime drama was set in her home town of Mountain Ash. However, despite being set in the Cynon Valley most of the series was filmed elsewhere across South Wales. Throughout the series there are a few locations which keep cropping up, this includes the cottage of John Chapel (Timothy Spall). The gorgeous cottage, which has beautiful stonework and flowers everywhere is located in St Hilary in the Vale of Glamorgan. The café used throughout the series, where Timothy Spall enjoys a good macchiato is actually in Penarth, in Brød Bakery, a Danish bakery chain which has shops across Cardiff. Article continues below Content cannot be displayed without consent A classic filming hack in Wales is using St Fagan's Museum of Welsh Life, for any sets that need to look a bit dated and that is what they did to film the old episodes of Caesar, the detective series starring John Chapel (aka Timothy Spall) within Death Valley. Although, the modern day police station where Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) and DCI Clarke (Steffan Rhodri) work was actually filmed in Mountain Ash Town Hall. During the first episode of the series we see a murder take place in the glamorous home of a property developer named Carwyn. Let's face it, if you are planning a storyline on the death of a property developer house, you need a nice house to film in. This house in question was actually in Duffryn in the Vale of Glamorgan. Later on in the episode, the building site was filmed in Abbey Woods, Cwmbran. The gorgeous house from episode one was located in the Vale of Glamorgan In the second episode, John and Janie join a walking group as they attempt to solve the murder of one of the members. The walking group are taking a hike through Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), right next to the beautiful Blaen y Glyn waterfalls. Gwyneth Keyworth even said that this was her favourite location to film. Throughout the episode we can see the group go in and out of the pub, for these scenes they used a combination of both the Kings Arms in Pentyrch, Cardiff and The Old Ford Inn in Llanhamlach, Brecon. Waterfall at Blaen-y-Glyn Waterfalls, by Dave Sealey (Image: Dave Sealey ) The third episode was filmed primarily in Llantwit Major, as the crime fighters investigate the death of a best man at a wedding. The church used was St Illtud's in Llantwit Major Episode four sees the pair investigate a murder in amateur dramatics group, who are filmed rehearsing at Penarth Conservative Club. This isn't the first time Penarth has been used as a filming location for the series and they also used Penarth Pier for the exterior shots of the theatre - you'll recognise that from a recent episode of Doctor Who. The 1929 Art Deco pier pavilion (Image: Jo Ridout, Media Wales ) Article continues below Later on in the series, we see the use of Insole Court in Cardiff as a stately home during a murder mystery in episode five and Brynteg Comprehensive School in Bridgend for a school reunion in the last episode of the series. Death Valley will air on Sunday, May 25 at 8.15pm on BBC One, however the whole boxset will be launching on BBC iPlayer at the same time.
