In episode 1, Mary offers a helping hand to comedian Alan Carr, who is determined to learn how to cook once and for all before he turns 50. Alan is a fan of classic comfort food but is daunted by the prospect of cooking from scratch. To help him break the habit of relying on takeaways and to prove how easy it is to cook a delicious meal at home, Mary teaches Alan how to make five mouth-watering dishes, including a gorgeous Honey Mustard Chicken Traybake, a veggie Aubergine Lasagne and a Chow Mein.

In episode 2, Mary joins her good friend, TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, for a day of laid-back cooking. The focus is on family-friendly favourites Claudia can cook with ease at the end of a busy day, including a deceptively simple Quiche; impressive but easy Rack of Lamb with Roasted Vegetables; silky no-fuss Chicken Orzo; and a decadent make-ahead Chocolate Truffle Tart.

In episode 3, Mary teams up with wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin at a beautiful safari park. Hamza, more familiar with feeding animals than cooking for himself, seeks easy, nourishing recipes for his busy lifestyle and to impress a potential girlfriend. Mary guides him through simple yet tasty dishes: Halibut with Clam Sauce, a hearty one-pot Rugby Lamb stew, creamy Mushroom Pappardelle, and a decadent Chocolate Cake.

In episode four, Mary welcomes her friend presenter and comedian Sue Perkins into the kitchen. Sue is an accomplished cook in her own right but never follows a recipe, leading to a few kitchen mishaps, particularly when hosting. Mary shares some foolproof tips and fresh ideas to inspire Sue, including Falafel with Whipped Feta, Goat’s Cheese Bruschetta, Chimichurri Pork, and Rhubarb Plate Pie.

In episode 5, Mary joins new friend, entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den star Sara Davies at the beautiful Cliveden House. Sara loves to cook but is looking for inspiration and advice for hosting dinner parties for family and friends. Mary is here to help with her favourite foolproof recipes for entertaining, including Lemongrass Crab Cakes with Cucumber and Radish Salsa, Duck Breast with Brandy and Watercress Sauce, an impressive Coq au Vin Pie, Langoustine Paella, and classic Floating Islands for dessert.

In the final episode of the series, Mary is joined by Will Kirk, antique furniture restorer and star of <i>The Repair Shop</i>. Will has recently moved house and has a garden for the first time, so he’s on the hunt for foolproof barbecue recipes. Mary delivers with Spiced Roasted Cashews, Poker Chips, Halloumi Salad, Miso Sesame Trout, Sriracha Chicken Wings, Party Cheesecake, and Honeydew Fruit Salad.