BBC opens hunt for 2010 Young Butcher of the Year

- Published: 21 May, 2010

The BBC is looking for a new Young Butcher of the Year to celebrate young trade talent in the country.

Following on from last year’s series, Young Butcher of the Year is part of a BBC Three series which now wants to hear from more talented young butchers in 2010. Butchers can either enter themselves or be nominated by someone else.

The BBC said it was looking for someone who can be a true ambassador for the trade, who is aged bewtween 16-25 years, up for a challenge and wants to show the world their skills.
The TV series is also hoping to find experts to assist the casting process and on-screen judges for the studio final.

Last year’s winner, Jim Sutcliffe of Meridian Meats Family Butchers, Louth, Lincolnshire, told MTJ Extra in April: “Many people in the meat trade criticised the programme, but it was a lot more involved than was given credit for. Among the positives that came out of the programme, it showcased our trade to a younger generation.”

The application process will officially opens in July for around one month and interested applicants can register immediately by emailing youngtalent@bbc.co.uk or send a self-addressed envelope to Young Talent of the Year (series 2), Casting Team, Room 4060, BBC Entertainment, Oxford Road, Manchester M60 1SJ.

Through July and August, the BBC will then invite applicants to first and second stage interviews with industry experts and the casting team in Manchester and London. Then around 25 will be selected to take part in a practical skill test.

Four finalists and one standby will then go forward to the studio final recording between 13-30 September. Each finalist will be required for two days and the format of the show will involve three practical challenges and an interview. The judges will choose an eventual winner to represent the meat industry.

>>Young Butcher talk with Jim Sutcliffe

>>BBC hunt for family butcher