The food entertainment show which was recorded in front of a live audience at the University’s Theatre at the Bedford campus is due to go out live on Saturday at 10.30am.

And second-year Multimedia Journalism student Leanne Clarke, who presents on the University’s community station Radio LaB 97.1FM, was given the opportunity to work on the programme as a runner.

Leanne, who has ambitions of being a presenter on national radio, said: “It was fantastic to experience what it is like to work on a radio programme that will be heard nationwide.

“Seeing the how the producers work was really interesting as it is actually very similar to what I have been learning by working on Radio LaB and in my studies.

“Jay Rayner hosting in front of a live audience was brilliant to see and something I can certainly learn from. On my course, as part of the radio unit, we have been learning about pronunciation and what speed to present at. Watching an expert puts it all into context.”

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Jay Rayner

Each week The Kitchen Cabinet features a guest panel of experts who face culinary questions from the audience who are seeking tasty titbits.

At Bedford the panel, made up of food scientist Professor Charles Spence, chef Sophie Wright, Masterchef winner Tim Anderson, and former Head of Creative Development for Heston Blumenthal James "Jocky" Petriehing were tested on their knowledge of all things culinary from how to perfectly boil an egg to making delicious Italian food – linking Bedford with its rich Italian history dating back to the 1950s.

Leanne is not the only University of Bedfordshire student to benefit from work experience with the BBC.

Leanne Clarke with Jay Rayner 

Television Production students got a taste of life in the front line of the industry when Sunday Politics East was broadcast live from the University’s Television Studios and psychology, sports and performing arts students formed the panel of BBC Radio 4’s hit comedy show The 3rd Degree.

Professor Helen Bailey, the University’s Executive Dean of Academic Partnerships, said: “We were delighted to welcome the BBC to the University of Bedfordshire once again. It was fantastic to see a local audience enjoy another fabulous evening at the Theatre.

“We work very closely with many industry contacts to provide students with a wide range of opportunities to put their learning into practice in exciting and challenging ‘real-life’ situations. Leanne’s work with The Kitchen Cabinet will undoubtedly ensure that she stands out from the crowd with future employers.”

• More photos here of The Kitchen Cabinet at the University