Today's TV Home Cook is a nationwide search to find Ireland’s next standout home cook.
Eight contestants from across the country have been selected and mentored by Trisha Lewis as they take on a series of cooking challenges in a professional TV kitchen for the very first time.
There are no judges — the competition is decided entirely by the public.
The cooks begin with a pre-recorded signature dish, followed by interviews where viewers get to know their stories and cooking style. As the competition progresses, they move into live semi-final cook-offs, before two finalists face off in a live grand final.
Each stage brings them closer to the title of Today’s TV Home Cook 2026 — but only your vote decides who stays in the competition.
RTÉ competition & voting standard terms & conditions apply
Voting form will be available at the end of this page at 3.30pm on Wednesday 29th April 2026.
TV HOME COOK – VOTING PROFILES
1. Gwen Delaney (65) – Dublin
Gwen is a creative and adventurous home cook from Sutton, Dublin 13 and a teacher/manager at Bracken Hill Nursery School.
She loves practical, seasonal cooking using simple ingredients with big flavour. Gwen is known for her fun, confident approach to food and her love of baking and comforting dishes.
Her signature dishes include seasonal mince pies and cheesy bites.
First Cook: Limoncello Tiramisu
Style: Creative, seasonal, flavour-focused
Semi-Final Dish (if through): ___________________________
2. Aoife Cheung (31) – Galway
Aoife is a Galway-based office manager and business owner who blends Asian and Irish flavours in her cooking.
She is fun, thoughtful and ambitious, with a strong focus on food that brings people together. Her dishes are bold, vibrant and designed for sharing.
Her signature dumplings with homemade chilli sauce are a standout favourite.
First Cook: Crispy Hoisin Duck Delights
Style: Bold fusion, vibrant flavours
Semi-Final Dish (if through): ___________________________
3. Shane Tallon (42) – Dublin
Shane is a home cook from Santry, Dublin 9 and works as a solution consultant.
He creates practical, family-focused food inspired by global flavours and smart use of leftovers. Cooking plays a central role in his home life and routine.
His pea & ham risotto is a family favourite made from Sunday roast leftovers.
First Cook: Pea & Ham Risotto
Style: Practical, resourceful, family-focused
Semi-Final Dish (if through): ___________________________
4. Rosaria Manchese (33) – Cork / Italy
Rosaria is originally from Puglia, Italy and now lives in Monkstown, Cork, working as a family support worker.
She cooks intuitive, comforting Italian food using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Food is central to her culture, family life and sense of connection.
Her slow-cooked ragù is a true reflection of her cooking style.
First Cook: Sausage & Broccoli Orecchiette
Style: Authentic Italian, comforting, soulful
Semi-Final Dish (if through): ___________________________
5. Dee Freney (42) – Mayo
Dee is an adult educator from Mayo who specialises in creative gluten-free home cooking.
Kind, caring and fun, she cooks to make sure everyone at her table feels included. Her food is comforting, thoughtful and full of flavour.
Her gluten-free Sunday roast and baking are family favourites.
First Cook: Chocolate Brownies with Raspberry Coulis
Style: Gluten-free, comforting, inclusive
Semi-Final Dish (if through): ___________________________
6. Gerald Daniels (50) – Mitchelstown
Gerald is a production manager from Mitchelstown who cooks bold, flavour-packed dishes inspired by global street food.
Confident and charismatic, he enjoys cooking that is quick, easy and fun. Food for Gerald is about enjoyment and sharing.
His signature Bunny Chow reflects his adventurous style.
First Cook: Chicken Curry Bunny Chow
Style: Bold, adventurous, flavour-packed
Semi-Final Dish (if through): ___________________________
7. Kay Lehane (41) – Cork
Kay is a primary school teacher from Doneraile, Co. Cork who brings creativity and care to everyday cooking.
She makes simple food feel special and enjoys classic baking and family-friendly dishes. In her home, food is about connection and comfort.
Her layered sponge cake is a much-loved favourite.
First Cook: Pavlova with Lemon Curd
Style: Simple, creative, family-focused
Semi-Final Dish (if through): ___________________________
8. Margaret Leahy (65) – Connemara
Margaret is a Connemara-based tour operator and passionate farm-to-table cook.
She uses seasonal Irish produce from her garden and local suppliers, focusing on simple dishes that let ingredients shine.
Her cooking celebrates Irish food, seasonality and tradition.
First Cook: Dillisk Scones with Wild Garlic Pesto
Style: Seasonal, Irish, farm-to-table
Semi-Final Dish (if through): ___________________________
VOTE FOR YOUR TOP 4 CHEFS
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