X Factor star turned farmer to front British Sausage Week

The pig industry has a new ambassador for British Sausage Week 2016 - former X Factor star turned farmer Jonathan Benjamin ‘JB’ Gill.

JB reached global stardom as a member of boy band JLS, which sold millions of records after shooting to fame on the X Factor.

He has now left the music industry, with his wife Chloe and son, Ace, to become a farmer, rearing pigs, cattle and deer, and a TV presenter.

He is a regular on BBC’s Countryfile and currently presents CBeebies TV series, Down on the Farm, reflecting a passion for educating people about the countryside. He is also planning a range of books about the countryside and farming life planned for the future.

He would seem to be an ideal choice to front British Sausage Week 2016, which runs from October 31 to November 6 and is now in its 19th year.

JB will take on a high profile to promote the British Sausage, awarding the best sausages in retailers, independent butchers/farm shops and catering establishments, following a nationwide competition, which has drawn well over 700 entries. 

Go to option 

JB said: “It’s a huge pleasure to be involved in British Sausage Week 2016, celebrating the amazing range of sausages from around the country.

“In our house, sausages are always a go-to option for a quick, easy and tasty mid-week meal, which my family loves tucking into.

“I’m passionate about food and it’s one of the reasons why I went into farming. I know from my own experience the attention and care which goes into producing quality fresh pork sausages, so when choosing your sausages look for the Red Tractor logo on pack.

“This way you’re not only supporting British farmers, but ensuring the sausages you eat are from pigs produced to high welfare standards. With more than 500 varieties to choose from, there’s a sausage to suit everyone’s tastes.

“And if you’re looking for a sausage recipe with a twist, give my son’s sausage fajitas a go!"

Kirsty Walker, head of marketing at AHDB Pork, said: “British Sausage Week is all about celebrating the great British banger.

“Of course, quality meals start with quality products, which is why British Sausage Week aims to raise awareness for sausages produced using assured pork, such as Red Tractor.”

More information on British Sausage Week and additional sausage-based recipe ideas can be found at www.lovepork.co.uk