Jimmy’s Food Fight Club began yesterday with the filming of their first episode of the new series on Southend Pier.

Famous foodie, Jamie Oliver, and his long-time buddy and TV presenter, Jimmy Doherty, have returned to their seaside cafe for a second series, on a mission to bring Britain’s forgotten foods back to life.

Former Radio One DJ, Chris Moyles, is rumoured to have been the first celebrity guest on the show.

Jamie said: “It’s great to be back filming on Southend Pier, where me and Jimmy spent so many happy summers as kids.

It’s a beautiful day and the sun is shining. Gwyneth Paltrow loved it when she came down here last year. Let’s get cooking!”

Kerry Wilson, from Southend, went to the end of the pier hoping to catch a glimpse of Jamie and Jimmy in action.

Kerry, aged 33, said: “I’m a fan of Jamie and I’ve got most of his books.

It’s so exciting that this is all taking place in Southend. When celebrities visit, it puts Southend on the map.

“I walked past the cabin just before the filming was about to begin and he said hello and had a quick chat with me. He’s such a nice guy, so down-to earth.”

Filming for the six-part series will continue next week, from Tuesday September 17, to Friday, September 20.

Kursaal ward councillor Judy McMahon was on the pier yesterday and asked one of the celebrity chef’s colleagues to pass a message on to him about the new Southchurch Foodbank.

She said: “I’m helping with the new foodbank, which is sorely needed in the area. I thought as I was down there doing some work at the time, I’d ask if he’d lend it his support.

“If we could get a celebrity involved, with the permission of the churches organising it,that would give the foodbank a real boost. I think donations would really take off.”

Mr Oliver did not reply to a request for comment.