Sheffield’s BOSH! to present their own TV series about vegan cookery

The pair – who met at school in Sheffield and go by the name BOSH! – have won an audience of millions with their online videos that put a plant-based spin on everyday recipes that would normally rely on meat and dairy.

And now they are to host their own programme on ITV.

Starting in January, Living On The Veg has been commissioned for 10 episodes, each an hour long. Henry and Ian will be joined by guests in their on-screen kitchen where no dish will be off-limits – lessons in how to prepare pizzas, burgers, curries and pies are all promised.

Each Sunday morning they will share a new weekly menu, from breakfast to dessert with snacks in between. Each recipe stands alone, or the whole menu can be followed to help plan a vegan diet more easily.

Henry and Ian, both in their mid-30s, became friends at High Storrs School aged 11 and later moved in together in London where they began making their very popular YouTube and Facebook videos, which have had 1.5 billion views online. They were both converted to veganism in 2015 after watching Kip Andersen's documentary Cowspiracy, which argues that animal agriculture is destroying the environment.

Their recipe books have been Sunday Times bestsellers, and earlier this year their publisher issued How To Live Vegan, the duo’s guide to surviving without animal products. A fourth book, Healthy Vegan, is on the way in December.

"We are beyond excited to be sharing even more vegan recipes with the world and show people just how easy and delicious plant-based cooking can be,” Henry and Ian said in a joint announcement. “We'll be sharing our top hacks and tips so that you can wow any dish. Whether you're a fully-fledged vegan or just want to cut down on meat and dairy, this series will have something for everyone.”

ITV Entertainment commissioned Living On The Veg from production company Rock Oyster Media. The firm is making another two cookery series for the commercial broadcaster’s autumn and winter schedule – Nadia’s Family Feasts, fronted by Nadia Sawalha, and Beautiful Baking with Juliet Sear.

Michael Connock, Living On The Veg’s executive producer, said: “Rock Oyster Media is delighted to be working with Ian and Henry, dishing up plate after plate of their unique blend of wholesome and delicious food. With the subject of diet taking such a prominent place in the climate change debate it seems timely and relevant to be producing a programme about plant-based food.”

Lara Akeju, commissioning editor for daytime entertainment at ITV, said: “With so many of us resolving to eat less meat, it’s the perfect time to bring Ian and Henry’s unique take on vegan food to our viewers.”