Dougie Vipond says chef pal Nick Nairn keeps getting closer and closer

Dougie Vipond (right) with Nick Nairn last year

Television presenter Dougie Vipond reckons his celebrity chef pal Nick Nairn is stalking him.

The pair were introduced by the BBC as new talent on the same day in 1995 and later worked together on shows such as Landward.

They have now forged a popular partnership as co-presenters of BBC’s Scotland’s hit cooking show The Great Food Guys.

But not before chef Nick took over one of Dougie’s favourite eateries and moved into a house in the same street as him in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling.

Dougie said: “We both remember the day we were introduced together by the BBC in 1995. He was doing Wild Harvest and I was presenting The Big Country.

“I’ve known him since then although our paths didn’t really cross very much for the next maybe 15 years. Then we started working together on Landward and we started to see more of each other.

“We developed this relationship which has been really good fun.”

Deacon Blue drummer Dougie moved to Bridge of Allan 18 months ago. Nick has since moved into a house just a few yards away from his co-star.

Dougie quipped: “Now that he’s moved 70 yards from me and he’s got telescopes looking into my room, we’ve socialised.”