Ryan Shepherd: The viral food reviewer from Sheffield with millions of followers
Sheffield's Ryan Shepherd likes his grub - and people just love watching him tuck in.
The Parson Cross-born man has carved a name for himself online as a food reviewer, with millions tuning in for his next serving of gastronomic wisdom.
His videos average between three and six million views a month.
That means he's been able to go part-time in his 'day job' as a lorry driver to sample the delights of takeaways, cafes and restaurants all over the country and abroad.
Eventually, the Sheffield Wednesday fan aims to become a full-time videographer, exploring every type of food available. Except vegetables. He doesn't like vegetables.
It all started with a light-hearted conversation with his wife Amy, a recruitment consultant.
The 33-year-old, who now lives near Wath, recalled: "I like chicken wings and she told me to rate a portion. I said something like: 'Crispy on the outside, it is this and that,' and rated it.
“She suggested I filmed social media videos. I started off in September, 2024 reviewing across Sheffield and Rotherham and then on to Manchester and Leicester.
"People seemed to like my broad accent and humour. There is banter without anybody getting offended."
The former Hinde House School pupil built up a 26,000 following on TikTok and 20,000 on Facebook and is hoping for a revenue stream on YouTube, too.
There have been many highlights, including a top-class Lebanese eatery in Bacup.
"That's the best food I've come across."
The lowlights featured a Sheffield outlet which later closed down.
"There was a doner kebab sat there looking at me - it looked like it had been there three days."
His videos can cause quite a stir.
"Somebody recommended AK Kebabish (Westgate, Rotherham) I did a video showing what you get for your money for a hunger-buster kebab I had delivered. It went viral, overnight,” he explained.
“They had a huge boost (in sales,) one of my followers said people were struggling to get served, and eventually the phonelines were off!
"I think they'd usually sell about 15-20 of these a night and that went up to over 190."
But at 23-stone, does the 6ft 2ins South Yorkshireman need to be careful what he eats?
He can't stomach fresh tomatoes and believes chickpeas to be the Devil's work.
"I film on Thursdays and Fridays. I just taste a burger and a mouthful of chips to give my opinion rather than eat it all. Then I'm on to the next place," he said.
“I look for healthy, diabetic-friendly food places, like Sol (Domine Lane, Rotherham.)
"Normally I have a not-very-big breakfast and a packed lunch on normal work days (he is employed by CLC Grab Hire in Sheffield.)
“I mix it up. You have to be careful.
"I go dog walking and have dropped three stone in five months. But I've always been a big lad."
While feedback is generally encouraging, he gets the odd critic questioning his expertise.
“I tell them I have been to a thousand places to eat, so generally I have an idea what is cheap meat and what is good quality.”
On one occasion, outside Yorkshire, he was offered money to upgrade his rating.
"The owner heard what I gave them and followed me back to my car.
"He offered me 'X' amount to change my score. I said people trust me, so I won't do it. I won't lie to people."