India was a stress-buster for Rosemary Shrager

THE recent Real Marigold Hotel series brought memories flooding back for Rosemary Shrager.

The chef was one of the oldies – alongside Wayne Sleep, Miriam Margolyes and Bobby George – who headed to India for the original series to see whether it could be a good retirement option.

But for Rosemary, it was more than just a TV show.

“I loved India and it did so much for me,” she told iN10. “Going out there changed me as a person.

“I’m more laid-back and not so stressed now.

“Travelling changes you anyway, but it was how I saw myself and accepted myself. It was very special.”

That first series – inspired by the hit Best Exotic Marigold Hotel film – led to the second run with a fresh group of older celebrities.

But it also spawned two Marigold On Tour Christmas specials involving Rosemary.

“We went to Japan and America and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hopefully, we’re going to do more.”

Rosemary is back doing what she’s best-known for, cooking and passing on her wisdom to others.

Chopping Block is the second series of the ITV daytime show which features her and former Great British Bake Off champ, John Whaite.

“I was so surprised by how much better the standard was,” says Rosemary.

“We gave them some really complicated things. John got them to temper chocolate, which is really tricky, but they did it.

“I like to see people try to achieve something and do it really well.

“Some of them really could cook and we had some delicious food.

“John and I were very fair, but if it wasn’t good, we told them. I’m not going to pussyfoot around.

“It was a tough competition, I’d have found it tough.”

Chopping Block, ITV, weekdays, 3pm.