Abi is the top chopper

Abi Titmus proved she's far from useless in the kitchen by beating James Dreyfuss in a kitchen challenge.

11:12 25 May 2004

Abi Titmus proved she's far from useless in the kitchen by beating James Dreyfuss in a kitchen challenge.

"I'm very handy with a chopper," the Television X presenter told the viewing public.

The pair were battling it out to find out who would end up as Dogsbody of the Day on ITV's "Hell's Kitchen".

Abi, a trained nurse, raced into the lead preparing a pigeon salad - while head chef Gordon Ramsay verbally assaulted James.

The "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme" actor looked ill as he dissected the dead bird.

"Treat it like a lady - pluck it don't f**k it," shouted Ramsay.

"You look like you are about to vomit, chefs cannot be squeamish," added the head chef.

The ITV reality cooking show has proved a big hit with viewers, with seven million tuning in to see the restaurant's opening night.

But things went less well with the customers.

Half of those who showed up on the opening night failed to get their food, with Ramsay going ballistic in the background.

"It's been a disaster, you know damn well my reputation's on the line," he ranted.

DJ Tommy Vance has been drafted in to replace TV journalist Roger Cook on the show. Cook dropped out after his 22 stone frame proved too much for a wooden chair and he injured himself in the fall.