GREGG Wallace could hardly wait to open a bottle of Forest perry after opening the Forest Showcase food festival on Sunday morning.

The Masterchef judge did not need much persuasion to return to the Speech House near Coleford for the third time.

He was presented with a McCrindle’s Loiterpin by the Mayor of Coleford, Cllr Paul Kay, and owner of the Speech House Hotel Peter Hands.

After receiving the bottle of the pear-based drink, he said: “I’ve only ever sipped it before. I’m going to open this in about five minutes!”

He told a packed cookery theatre: “I’m pleased to say that this is my third visit and I’m delighted that – unlike the previous two times when I’ve had to drive home, tonight I’m stopping.

“Last time I didn’t get to sample as much as I wanted or the year before so I’m expecting to have as good a time as you.

“The reason I’m here is because the first time I was struck by how lovely it was and the second time it was even better.

“It’s a wonderful bit of the world, I’ve met some amazing people.”

He said he’d be happy to pose for pictures but hinted there was a way of improving the situation: “If you want to turn up with a glass of cider or a glass of beer then we’ve got more chance.

“I’ll be milling about all day, exactly the same as you, listening to the music, eating the food having a tipple and chatting.

“We can talk about food, hair loss, weight loss, love and marriage but if you want to talk about Strictly go somewhere else.”