Food Network will debut cookery challenge series Gino v Britain on its UK channel and across EMEA.

The 15 x 30 series from IMG Media will premiere across Food Network in May and is presented by Claire Sweeney (actress and Celebrity Big Brother contestant) and TV chef Gino D’Acampo.

Gino v Britain challenges the country’s top amateur cooks to compete against professionals in a culinary battle, with members of the local community determining the winner.

“We are thrilled to welcome chef Gino D’Acampo back to the Food Network family, this time in his new cooking series,” said Nick Thorogood, MD of Food Network EMEA. “The series is not only a great competition format, but also perfectly complements our U.S. shows with a taste of cooking from throughout the UK.”

The deal was negotiated by Gosia Walak, head of acquisitions and planning for Food Network at Chello Zone, and Alex Maldini, VP sales at IMG Entertainment.