Glynn Purnell announces Jimi Mistry as latest in Friday Night Kitchen charity line-up

Mistry will help Purnell cook the main course at the fundraising event at Villa Park on 7 October, in front of a 400-strong live audience.

The event is raising money for the Birmingham based blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia, and will follow the £100,000 the Friday Night Kitchen events have already helped to raise for the cause over the past two years.

It will include live cooking, music, and a fundraising raffle with a chance to win a meal for six people at the winner's home, cooked by Purnell.

Mistry recently completed the year-long Three-Term Diploma in Food and Wine course at Leith's School of Food & Wine, and as part of his training on the course, completed a week-long placement at Purnell's eponymous restaurant in Birmingham, alongside sous chef Luke Butcher.

The duo became friends after appearing together on an episode of BBC Saturday Kitchen, with Mistry having originally trained as an actor and appearing in shows such as East is East, Coronation Street, and Eastenders.

The event's line-up wil also include pastry chef and chocolatier Will Torrent, as well as ITV X Factor star Sam Bailey.

Mistry said: “I’m really excited about supporting Glynn at his Friday Night Kitchen – we’re going to have some great banter. I’ve been pals with Glynn for about six years. He’s a great personality and an absolutely amazing chef."

Purnell, who is also a Cure Leukaemia Trustee, added: “Jimi is a diamond of a fella and we’re going to have a great laugh on stage. He’s got so much passion for food and wine and is already a very talented chef. This year’s line-up is really taking shape."