IF you watched the recent series of W1A, you will be well aware of its characters’ attempts to get a programme called Britain’s Tastiest Village off the ground.

Were the scriptwriters aware that this show was in development at the time?

You would imagine that if the fictional series were to become reality, they would perhaps implement many of the same ideas.

Last week, Fern Britton kicked off The Big Allotment Challenge by introducing the nine pairs of gardeners whose skills were about to be put to the test. One duo fell by the wayside after failing to impress during flower-arranging and jam-making tasks, so when we catch up with the gang again, only eight pairs remain.

This week, they have to grow the perfect runner beans and roses, then use their produce to create summer wreaths and relishes.

But who will come out smelling of, um, roses, and who will end up in a sticky spot? We’ll find out after horticultural expert Jim Buttress, floral designer Jonathan Moseley and food writer Thane Prince have offered their opinions on the contestants’ efforts.