AFTER eight weeks of gruelling hard work and a nail-biting final, Colchester couple Michele English and Russell Clement have won BBC show The Restaurant.

Viewers watched with bated breath last night as they battled for the chance to open their own restaurant with celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.

The pair faced their rivals in an ultimate showdown, cooking for 40 discerning diners aboard the Orient Express – and they didn’t disappoint.

Michele, who worked as front of house in their team, The Cheerful Soul, was thrilled after being told she and Russell would now realise their dream of running their own eaterie.

“The moment we found out was filled with suspense,” she said. “We were dumbstruck, we didn’t know what to say.

“It’s something we have wanted for a long time and we are so happy.”

Chef Russell added: “I am thrilled to have achieved what we set out to achieve after what has been a long and sometimes difficult journey. I am so looking forward to new and exciting times.”

Michele and Russell were not told about their win until this week and had to keep it a secret from family and friends.

It was especially difficult to keep the exciting news from Michele’s mum, Nicola, with whom they watched the final last night and celebrated the result with a bottle of champagne from Raymond Blanc.

Michele said: “The decision was made at the end of filming in July and Raymond wrote it down on a piece of paper and put it in a sealed envelope which was with the solicitors until this week. Then he read it out to us.

“We are now partners with Raymond Blanc and have signed all the contracts. We have been living on the edge and it’s been stressful, but it’s been worth it.”

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