Rosemary Shrager never meant to become a chef - or a bestselling author, come to that. The haute cuisine teacher on Ladette To Lady, and judge of Soapstar Superstar, originally had her sights set on becoming an interior designer - a career in line with one of her more-recent side ventures as a kitchen planner. 

A hankering to work with food whilst at art school led Rosemary to seek a role in the kitchen, and she soon found herself working with Jean Christophe-Novelli and Pierre Koffman. Rosemary then set about establishing her career as a chef - firstly in a freelance role and then as a head chef at Moyns Park, the home of the Mountbatten family.  

Television came next, including appearances on reality TV shows I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, The Real Marigold Hotel, and Let’s Dance For Comic Relief. When lockdown hit, Rosemary took to running cook-alongs and master classes via Zoom. At the same time she decided to dip her toes into writing fiction - a career move which has most definitely paid off. 

This month, her fans can catch her at Shrewsbury Flower Show, where she’ll be showcasing her culinary skills on both days of the event. We recently fired over some questions for her to answer... 

What’s your earliest food memory, Rosemary...
One of my earliest is my mother carving into a whole ham! It was delicious, and a lovely experience with her. A lovely homebaked ham.

Is there a particular person who has influenced you most as a chef?
Pierre Koffman. Without a doubt. He had faith in me and always was my food hero - and still is.

Who would you relish the opportunity to cook for?
I always love cooking for my family the most. We rarely see each other because of work commitments, but they are my favourite people to cook for. Family, and friends too. 

Is there a current chef you particularly admire?
Elliot Grover from 45 Park Lane. There are also wonderful new chefs coming up through the ranks and making a statement - like Ellis Barry, who is based in Anglesey.

What’s your favourite meal to prepare?
I love making pies! 

...And for someone else to cook for you?
I always love it when someone makes me cucumber sandwiches! There’s nothing like another person making me cucumber sandwiches, especially with some egg thrown in for good measure!  

Did your appearances in reality shows I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and The Real Marigold Hotel change your approach as a chef in any way?
It showed and educated me more with spices and flavours when I travelled for Real Marigold.  

And how did the experience change you on a personal level?
It educated me about new people and new cultures. Wherever we travelled, everyone was just happy to share their food. It was such a sharing situation. 

You’ve made quite a name for yourself away from the kitchen, writing very well-received whodunnits. Is this a genre that’s particularly interested you, or was there something else behind your decision to follow in the footsteps of other literary sleuths?
The idea of writing Cosy Crime was put to me during Covid and I fell in love with it! The characters are based on people I’ve met, and I’m obviously Prudence in real life!

Kitchen design also features in your extensive portfolio. What culinary accessory could you not do without? 
The bin under my chopping board! It’s a pull-out and is so useful! I also have an integrated vacuum packer, which I love! 

And which three ingredients should everyone always have in their store cupboard? 
Olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. That’s four!  

Favourite comfort food?
Peanut butter - always crunchy! It’s so tasty and satisfying, and it’s lovely with an apple! 

Finally, what are you planning to cook up at Shrewsbury Flower Show?
Cheat’s crispy duck and smoked haddock with a poached egg. 

Shrewsbury Flower Show takes place in the town’s Quarry Park on Friday 9 & Saturday 10 August