When an inspector calls

THE Hotel Inspector launched the TV careers of Ruth Watson and Alex Polizzi, as cameras followed them as they imparted words of wisdom to people struggling to make the most of their businesses.

Inspired by its success, the same format was used for 2010’s The Business Inspector, which was followed last year by The Restaurant Inspector.

The programme returns with Fernando Peire, managing director of The Ivy, imparting his years of experience to restaurateurs across the land.

The man has proved he is worth his weight in gold, but he is just as terrifying as the likes of Gordon Ramsay, if not more so.

At least with Ramsay, you have an idea of what you are in for. When he’s visiting the business that is your pride and joy, you will know he has arrived because the air within a mile radius of him is a bright shade of blue. With Fernando, we are talking an altogether different kettle of fish.

“There’s no need to shout and swear to make a restaurant successful. It won’t be a gladiatorial contest. Everything I have to say will be said politely. That’s how you get the best out of people,” he says.

In the last series, the name of his game was to go incognito, sampling various establishments’ food and service before revealing himself and making drastic changes in a bid to improve a restaurant that was just happily plodding along.

The second series changes things around. This time, Peire is sending in two secret diners, complete with hidden cameras.

He then presents the proprietors with his findings and proceeds with his mission to improve.

But what is the secret to a successful restaurant? “It is not just about the food,” he says.

“If you go to a restaurant and the food is fantastic but you are made to feel bad, you will never go back. But if the food is okay and you are made to feel good, you will become a customer – and that is what every restaurant needs plenty of.”

First, he visits the Maharaja Tandoori, an Indian restaurant established more than 30 years ago by Ahmed Faruk in London’s West End. Back then, demand for his food was high, but now he is struggling to break even. Despite being 70 years of age, Ahmed is reluctant to hand over control to his son, Nash, who is more than willing to step into his father’s shoes.

Peire realises the restaurant needs to move with the times, and Nash might be the man to do it. But only if his father can be persuaded that stepping down is the right move, and that his son has what it takes to drag the place into the 21st Century.

IF there is one thing you can count on with Glee, it’s a succession of A-list guest stars. Tonight, it’s the turn of Whoopi Goldberg to appear in the hit musical comedy drama.

The Sister Act and Oscar-winning Ghost star plays Carmen Tibideaux, a professor at the New York Academy of the Dramatic Arts, who turns up to see Rachel and Kurt perform. But some shocking news hampers the pair’s preparations for their audition. Still, the show must go on.

Whoopi fans may be keen to note that she is due to star in several episodes as Ms Tibideaux.

IT’S not unusual to see Tom Jones on the box. After all, he was fronting This is Tom Jones back in the days when many of us were twinkles in our parents’ eyes.

However, in an acting capacity, Tom’s only noteworthy appearance was in Tim Burton’s hit-and-miss 1990s sci-fi epic Mars Attacks!

Now the silver fox has another go at this acting lark – this time as Ron, an exbottle factory worker who used to be a Teddy boy in the Playhouse Presents offering King Of The Teds.

After he is made redundant, things look bleak for Ron and wife Tina, until Nina, a friend from their younger days, pays them a visit. They reflect on their teenage years and mutual love of rock ’n’ roll, but one of them is hiding a secret.

Brenda Blethyn and Alison Steadman also star.