RNLI Ben forms different type of search as judge on top TV cooking competition
RNLI volunteer Ben Thomson will take his seat at the judges table next week on BBC’s Great British Menu on Thursday 13 February at 8.00pm on BBC Two and iPlayer. Ben will join Tom Kerridge, Ed Gamble and Lorna McNee to find the winner of Scotland week.
The theme for the 20th anniversary of the flagship BBC series is ‘Great Britons’ and will celebrate those who have shown extraordinary bravery, heroism and service in their communities.
Ben says it was a real honour to take a seat at the judging table: ‘I was shocked and surprised to receive the call asking me to judge on such an iconic TV show. I enjoy my food, but when it comes to critiquing dishes technically, I wouldn’t know where to start!
The calibre of food was incredible, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Lorna, Tom and Ed made me feel really welcome.
I certainly wouldn’t class myself individually as a ‘Great Briton’, but collectively it was a privilege to represent my fellow RNLI volunteers whose courage and selflessness help their communities each and every day.’
Four Scottish chefs will battle it out from Tuesday 11 February, with Ben and his fellow judges deciding on BBC Two at 8.00pm on Thursday 13 February who from the final two will make it to the series finale and will have the chance to be crowned the winner of the Great British Menu 2025.
Ben joined the RNLI as a volunteer crew member after his life was saved by the charity. On a bitterly cold November’s afternoon in 2012, Ben and his friend became separated from their jet skis in the River Tay. After five hours in freezing waters, they had all but given up hope.
Minutes before the search was called off, Ben’s faint whistle was heard onboard the RNLI lifeboat and the two were saved.
Within months, Ben started volunteering at Broughty Ferry RNLI, one of Scotland’s busiest stations, serving alongside the six crew members who played a part in his own rescue. In his twelve years as an RNLI volunteer, Ben has been on over 100 rescue missions, saving five lives.
The RNLI operates at 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland and volunteers like Ben give their time to save lives at sea in service to their communities.
RNLI media contacts
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.