Chef Ben Bayly is cooking up a brilliant new season of The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes, with a whole new cast. The show follow a group of chefs living with dementia who work in a restaurant under Ben’s guidance.
With the new season kicking off today, it must be about time we familiarised ourselves with the brilliant cast due to grace our screens.
Meet the 2024 The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes cast
Wendy
Already dealing with Parkinson’s disease, Wendy, 58, was diagnosed six months ago with Lewy body dementia. Despite her crushing diagnoses, Wendy embraced her time in The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes and formed a strong team with Lois, cranking out delicious entrées and desserts. “We just want to get out there and have people believe in us,” she says.
Malcolm
Just a few weeks after receiving his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, hospital maintenance supervisor Malcom, 62, agreed to take part in the reality series. Working in the restaurant, he says, has helped both himself and his wife Jan to learn more about his condition and also find camaraderie with others dealing with the same challenges.
Janine
Janine, 53, has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and was still working as a medical laboratory scientist at the time of filming. Before taking part in the reality series, she’d never had a leadership role, but she took one on in the restaurant and loved it. “It’s good to be able to help others,” she says.
George
George, 64, was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia – which affects thinking, memory and movement – after suddenly finding himself struggling to do his job as a senior engineer with Watercare. He wanted to be part of the show to raise awareness. “It’s not a shameful thing,” he says of his illness. “It’s a medical condition.”
Kim
Kim, 60, is dealing with young onset dementia and has had to give up her job at an accounting firm. She’s Janine’s sister-in-law and the pair make a great team on the restaurant floor with their shared humour. “A lot of people like to compare us,” says Kim, “but you can’t compare one person to another.”
Kevin
Former rugby league legend Kevin Tamati, 71, didn’t find it easy to accept his dementia diagnosis and says his time working in the restaurant helped him come to terms with it. “I realised that the only way that I’m going to deal with dementia is to accept that I have it and then try and help those who are suffering the same.”
Innes
Journalist and magazine publisher Innes, 60, had to kiss goodbye to his career after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The brain disorder slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Innes and his wife Anne live with four generations of family under one roof, which gives them both comfort and support.
Lois
At 52, Lois is the youngest of the volunteers. She struggles with memory and language, and has a son still at secondary school. Wellbeing tests conducted before and after her kitchen experience showed a huge improvement in her mood and confidence. “I’m going to leave here a different person,” she says.
Sandra
Former fashion buyer and boutique owner Sandra, 59, deals with memory loss and confusion. However, her warmth and humour make her a favourite at the restaurant. “I thought I was never going to be able to do anything,” says Sandra. But after her restaurant experience, she says, “Now I’m just so happy. I don’t want it to stop.”
Tevita
Tongan-born Tevita, 58, has a law degree with honours and worked in government roles in the Pacific Island kingdom. He was working with troubled youth when he was diagnosed with young onset dementia. He says some don’t want others to know they have dementia but for him “it’s part of the journey”.
The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes screens on Mondays at 7.30pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+.
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