A BOLTON chef has been cooking up a storm across the Atlantic — after showing off his skills on an American TV show.

Michael Hales was invited by his friend Bruce Littlefield, an American actor and television personality, to appear on Aunt Jean’s Cook Off, a one-off show in which “Aunt Jean” — played by Mr Littlefield — competes with the British chef to see who can make the best dish.

In the show, Mr Hales’ English cheese and onion pie was pitted against Aunt Jean’s American macaroni and cheese, with Mr Hales’ English dish coming out on top.

Mr Hales, who is originally from Breightmet, met Mr Littlefield on holiday in Greece and the pair became friends.

Mr Littlefield, who has previously appeared on Fox, CBS and The Today Show among others, invited Mr Hales to fly over to America to film Aunt Jean’s Cook Off.

Mr Hales, aged 39, said: “Once the cameras were switched on it was really nerve-racking.

“Bruce is quite a well-known face on American television so it was quite an experience.

“It was a long day of filming but it was a lot of fun.

“I’m a big mac and cheese fan but obviously I was pleased to win.

“It’s definitely something I want to do again next year.”

Mr Hales trained as a chef at Bolton Technical College before moving to the Lake District to open his own cafe and bistro. It was while running the bistro that Mr Hales made mulled wine for The Queen, after being approached by her representatives to provide catering for a special event at Buckingham Palace in 2007.

But three years ago, the chef was diagnosed with two tumours in his neck, which lead to him losing his voice.

After undergoing a year and a half of speech therapy, Mr Hales enrolled on a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

He now teaches cookery to youngsters at Salford City College and to prisoners at HMP Manchester once a week.

Mr Hales currently lives in Astley Bridge with his partner.