Fanny Cradock
The original TV chef, Fanny Cradock is best known for her on-screen partnership with her husband-to-be Major John Cradock (AKA Johnnie) and her forthright style of presenting.
She began her television career in 1955 with the ±«Óãtv series Kitchen Magic, followed by a move to ITV to make the channel’s first cookery programme, Fanny’s Kitchen. She later returned to the ±«Óãtv and was a constant feature on our screens until 1976, when her harsh treatment of an amateur cook brought about an unceremonious end to her television career.
Fanny wrote many best-selling cookbooks and ±«Óãtv booklets, including ±«Óãtv Cooking with Fanny Cradock, Cooking with Bon Viveur, Problem Cooking with Fanny Craddock and Ten Classic Dishes. Her recipes went on to define British food, particularly in the post-war period where her Escoffier-inspired recipes and flamboyant style were a refreshing change after years of rationing.
Fanny Cradock died on 27 December 1994 aged 85.