Throng

Award-winning top chef and restaurateur Raymond Blanc will be putting nine couples through their paces to see if they have what it takes to run their own restaurant with a variety of challenging tasks in BBC Two's The Restaurant, starting Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 August 2007 at 8pm.

The nine pairs are competing for the incredible prize of a business with Raymond Blanc. The winners will open a brand new restaurant, financially backed and personally supported by the legendary chef.

To test their skills, all the couples will have to open and run their own restaurants for the very first time under the watchful eye of industry experts and Raymond's "inspectors" Lee Cash, Sarah Willingham and John Lederer.

Each week one will have the doors of their restaurant closed for good.

The contestants

Martin (28) and Emma (27) are engaged and live in Bolton. Martin is a straight talking prison chef with 11 years experience in the catering trade. His job currently involves catering for 800 inmates. "Who wouldn't want to run their own restaurant? It's something I really want to do – it is one of my lifetime goals to achieve and I am sure I am capable of it." Emma works in a bingo hall and is used to working within a tight budget but still manages to keep the regulars happy.

Jeremy (32) and Jane (29) live in Devon. Jeremy was a Corporal in the Royal Marines and has recently returned from Afghanistan after a tour of duty. Two years ago Jeremy re-trained as a chef with a view to gaining enough experience to set up his own restaurant when he left the Marines. His wife Jane has previously worked in the restaurant business front of house and says: "My experience in restaurants and my Prince's Trust work have all been invaluable – they got me where I am today."

Lloyd (28) and Adwoa (27) are engaged and live in London. Lloyd and Adwoa set up their own Ghanaian catering company three years ago and just wish they'd started it earlier in life. They decided to go into business together and tested the water by opening a stall at a London market. When it proved successful, they set up the catering business. At events, Lloyd works front of house and Adwoa cooks the food. Says Adwoa: "As we have already worked together in a business, we feel we can guarantee a harmonious working relationship."

Sam (27) is a talented jazz player originally from Swansea with a flair for classic cuisine. His American wife Jacqui (22) is an actress who in down time often works as a waitress. Says Sam: "We know we have the drive and the energy to make anything happen. We are more than willing to take risks since we've got nothing to lose."

Ed (24) and his older brother Mike (30), a communications manager, come from a large extended family sharing a British and Polish cultural background. Ed works in the hospitality industry front of house and Mike works in the City but food is his passion. Says Mike: "I've got an all consuming passion for food – it's something I have been working towards for the last five years."

Scottish advertising copywriter Grant (31) and his wife Laura (27), from Deptford, are excited at the prospect of owning their own venture. Grant grew up in the trade as his mother owned a successful restaurant. Laura is a communications officer and has always dreamed of becoming a professional wine buyer. Says Grant: "I want to move on and make a better life for my family and enjoy what I do every single day."

Twin sisters Jess and Laura (28) from London work together as entertainers for children's parties. They currently have their own party company, but they are both keen cooks and love throwing dinner parties. Says Jess: "Our concept is a very earthy natural kind of place, comfortable with very good quality food but with a real home-grown organic feel."

Nicola (42) from Norfolk is a keen cook and entrepreneur running the family company selling seed to the trade. She has joined forces with her son Tom (23) having spent years discussing their plan to open a restaurant. Tom works in hotel management. Nicola is confident that her years of preparing all the family meals from scratch and growing large amounts of produce in her garden will stand her in good stead in the kitchen. Says Nicola: "I have an eye for detail with a drive for perfection at all times."

And finally, Chris (29) and his partner Jade (26) from Edinburgh are both at university studying Hospitality Management but with extensive experience in the hospitality trade. Chris has been a chef at various restaurants and Jade has been in management for a few years in the bar and restaurant industry. Says Jade: "I was brought up to believe in myself and have an open mind ... my motto is 'Love Many, Trust Few, Always Paddle Your Own Canoe'."

For one of the couples this programme will realise their dream.

Says Raymond Blanc: "It is a life-changing decision to take part in this programme – it is not just a game. They are making many sacrifices without even knowing if they are going to win."